Captain Albie Morkel’s participation in the Durban Heat’s Mzansi Super League fixture against the Paarl Rocks at Kingsmead on Wednesday remains in the balance.

Morkel sustained an arm injury during Friday’s nine-wicket defeat to the Nelson Mandela Bay Giants at St George’s Park in Port Elizabeth.

He was at the non-striker’s end during a partnership with fellow all-rounder Vernon Philander on Friday. Philander struck a delivery from leg spinner Imran Tahir that crashed into Morkel, who couldn’t get out of harm’s way quickly enough.

‘He’s very bullish about his chances, and in his mind he wants to play. We’ve seen what he gives us on and off the field, he’s back in Durban, he’s been given the green light, so we’ll make a late call on whether he plays,’ said coach Grant Morgan.

The Heat currently occupy fourth position in the six-team standings after one win in three attempts.

‘If you analyse things properly, you will see that we’ve been okay. You obviously want more, but if you look at the circumstance in each game it tells a different story,’ added Morgan.

‘So, I tell the Durban people and our fans, we’re not supporting any mediocrity. But if we’re going to panic after three games, when the next win in fact puts most of the teams in a similar range, I would not be worth my value as a cricket coach.’

Image: Gallo