Johannes Albertus Morkel, better known as Albie Morkel, was one of the hosts nation's stars at the inaugural Twenty20 World Cup. His batting was in keeping with the nature of the latest version of the game. The hard-hitting South African did not get to bat against the West Indies and New Zealand, but was at his best against Bangladesh (41 off 29 balls, 3 x 4, 2 x 6), England (43 off 20 balls, 3 x 4, 4 x 6) and India (36 off 37 balls, 2 x 4, 1 x 6).
Although he did not have to roll his arm often, his two crucial wickets -- of Matt Prior and Owais Shah -- in addition to a breezy 43, helped the Proteas send England packing.
It is only because of South Africa's curious selection policy that an enormously talented player like him hasn't yet found a permanent place in the national one-day squad despite being around for four years now.
Haresh Pandya spoke with the unassuming Protea on the eve of the third one-dayer between South Africa 'A' and India 'A' in Rajkot last week.
How was your experience of playing in the inaugural Twenty20 World Cup?
It was great, especially considering the fact that it was my first ever World Cup of any type of cricket for my country. It was a big disappointment, too, as we couldn't make it to the semi-finals. But India, which dashed all our hopes, played really well against us. They deserved to win. Overall, it was a very good experience to play in the first ever Twenty20 World Cup.
What went wrong for South Africa?
We had been playing very well as a team in the tournament and it was just unfortunate to lose when we looked set to reach the semi-finals. But, then, this is what Twenty20 cricket is all about. The game can swing any way at any time. But full marks to India for playing better.
Are you satisfied with your individual performance in the World Cup?
I think it could have been better. And I would have been happier if my performance had helped South Africa reach the semi-finals. I was, of course, always confident of doing pretty well in the championship.
Considering your aggressive approach as a batsman, and the way you played some cavalier innings at crucial junctures for South Africa, you seem to relish Twenty20 cricket. Don't you?
Of course, I do. But I equally enjoy one-day cricket. And I would love to play Test cricket as well. These are different times. Whether you are a batsman or a bowler, you've got to be able to adjust your game to any version of the game. Adjustment is the name of modern cricket.
There are people who tend to regard you as the next Lance Klusener, because of your attacking batting and medium-fast bowling. How do you feel about it?
I take it as a compliment if people consider me to be the next Lance Klusener. But, in reality, there is no way I could be compared with him. It isn't fair. I'm nowhere near his class. I play my own natural game and I'm happy about it. I've a lot to prove and miles to go, frankly speaking. But it's an honour if people consider me to be such a good player.
Nevertheless, people are inclined to have high expectations of you. Does it put any sort of extra pressure on you?
No, not at all. Pressure never gets the better of me. I'm capable of holding my own in any situation without changing or curbing my natural game.
There are shades of Shaun Pollock in your bowling action. Have you modelled it on his?
No, no, I haven't modelled my action on Shaun Pollock's or anybody else's. But if I look like Shaun Pollock when it comes to bowling action and things like that, I'm very happy.
How do you rate Shaun Pollock, by the way?
He is a great all-roudner, in a class of his own. He is a legend, just like Allan Donald with whom I've worked on certain technical aspects of my bowling.
What is your strength?
Well, my attacking style as a batsman is my strength, I suppose. I can be very aggressive at times. I'm capable of hitting the ball very hard and scoring runs very quickly in a few overs. And I can bowl a bit, too.
Your brother Morne Morkel also represents South Africa. Is there any kind of sibling rivalry?
No, there isn't. We're two different bowlers. Our approaches are different. Our styles are also quite different. Morne is a mean, aggressive opening bowler, whereas I'm sort of an all-rounder. There is no competition between us at all. Rather we enjoy a lot playing together for our country. You don't often see two players playing in the same team. We're proud to be playing together and doing our best for South Africa.
