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Chennai: In more ways than one, Johannes Albertus (Albie for short) Morkel is an enigma. Although oozing with talent that he showcased last night at Chepauk, when playing his 50th game for the Chennai Super Kings, the 29-year old from Transvaal, South Africa, hasn’t quite made a mark at the highest level.
Yet, there is no doubting his all-round ability, especially in the shorter formats of the game. It was no wonder then that Albie was among the four players the Super Kings, quick to recognise his value, retained at the end of the 2010 season, along with skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni, Suresh Raina and Murali Vijay.
It is besides the point that his brother, Morne, also a fast bowler, has achieved far greater success on the international scene while Albie managed only intermittent appearances for South Africa.
For all that, Albie, whose mates also call him Berghond or Bert, and who would have been a Game Ranger but for cricket, has remained an integral part of the Super Kings and a player skipper Dhoni has reposed a lot of trust in.
Consider this: Albie the batsman has a better strike rate (149.52, balls faced - 422) than Raina (144.12, BF - 1,242) and is the leading wicket-taker for his team with 57 in the IPL so far.
CELEBRATION IN STYLE
Last night at Chepauk, it was Albie’s 50th game for the Super Kings, something that went unnoticed and he celebrated the occasion in great style by playing a lead role in his side’s 19-run win against the Deccan Chargers while picking up the Man of the Match award.
His big but clean hitting at the death proved to be the difference between victory and defeat. In the end, those precious 19 runs that he struck off just six deliveries separated the victor and the vanquished.
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It’s almost time to go to the ground. We are playing a very important game against the Mumbai Indians today and I really hope that we do well! It’s always a massive game!
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I filmed an advertisement with Ms Dhoni and Suresh Raina yesterday. It should air soon so look out for it. We've been training hard and we are playing in the opening match of the IPL against the Kolkata Knight Riders tomorrow. I can't wait!
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We found this Cobra in our estate this afternoon!
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