Former all-rounder Albie Morkel is adamant that late addition Chris Morris will be key to South Africa’s 2019 World Cup campaign in the United Kingdom.

Morris was not named in the original squad, but was added as a replacement for the injured Anrich Nortje.

He is in contention for a berth in the playing XI Thursday’s opening match against England at The Oval in London, too, after fast bowler Dale Steyn was ruled out by a shoulder injury sustained during the Indian Premier League earlier this year.

‘He can solve the problem of whether to strengthen the batting or make sure the bowling is strong at the expense of another batsman. He’s the type of guy that has x-factor. I know he has struggled a bit for form in the last year, but we know what he can do. He can go and win games if you just allow him to be Chris Morris,’ Morkel told The Citizen.

‘The South African team needs him and I could feel his pain when he wasn’t initially chosen because I played between World Cups as well. I’m glad he’s getting the opportunity to prove people wrong. He would have been in my World Cup squad from the start.’

Morkel, meanwhile, is not convinced that the Proteas will secure a semi-final berth ahead of New Zealand – and suggested England, India and Australia will advance.

‘I always have my Proteas cap on my head and in my heart, but I hope we can make the last four. I think we’re a bit behind, to be honest. England in England are always very good, India will be there as well,’ he added.

‘I think Australia will make it with David Warner and Steven Smith back, and then there’s South Africa and New Zealand, who I think will be fighting it out for the last place in the World Cup final four.’

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