Chris Morris South African Cricket

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Chris Morris: Determined, steely and grounded

Chris chats to The South African about a whirlwind year, his time at Surrey, and downtime away from the game.

Chris Morris South African Cricket

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Chris Morris, the Pretoria born-and-bred bowling all-rounder, has enjoyed a busy few months. Over the last year or so, Chris has established himself as a limited overs regular for the Proteas, played his first two Test matches, enjoyed another successful IPL stint (this time with the Delhi Daredevils) and has just completed a six match T20 spell with Surrey.

It will be interesting to see whether Chris can push for selection in the upcoming Test series against New Zealand. Given that South African fast bowling stalwarts such as Dale Steyn and Vernon Philander suffered significant injury setbacks during the South African summer, the selectors might consider moving away from selecting only four front-line bowlers, in favour of five. There is certainly an argument in favour of playing five bowlers, especially if two of them can provide useful lower order rigidity. Chris’ all-round credentials could put him in line for selection.

I caught up with Chris, after his final day/night T20 for Surrey, at a packed Oval cricket ground.

You have had a very busy year, with numerous appearances for the Proteas, Delhi Daredevils, and now with Surrey. Do you have any particular moments that stand out as being especially memorable?

I haven’t been home since February, so the last few months have been a bit of a blur! My first World Cup will always stand out as a big moment for me, as well as several performances in the IPL, the Caribbean and for South Africa. I have also always wanted to play County Cricket in England.

The modern day cricketer leads an increasingly international life – how have you found working with different teams and cricketers from all over the world?

I am very fortunate to get paid to play cricket. I have enjoyed the opportunity to play for various teams, with different players from different cultures, who have given me life experiences I really value. I have learned a lot about cricket and have made many friends, including new ones at Surrey. I have had the good fortune to find the occasional moment to explore the likes of the Caribbean and London. These memories will stick with me for the rest of my life – every now and then, I take a step back, and pinch myself, just to take it all in.

Given the immense pressure you thrive under with both the bat and the ball, do you have any thoughts on developing that “big match temperament”?

For me, an important development in my career has been to learn to accept what is going to happen as well as what has just happened – things might not always go your way. Sometimes you are going to be hit for six, but at least as a bowler you have the chance to turn things around!

How does one go about making technical changes and developing one’s skills?

When it comes to the technical stuff, coaches play a big role, as does video analysis. In order to work on skills such as swing or reverse swing, it definitely helps to pick other players’ brains in order to pick up some tips, although you develop your own way of doing things of course.

Do you have any cricketing heroes who you especially admire?

I have had different heroes at various stages of my life. For me, my Dad will always be my hero and someone I look up to, but I also admire Curtly Ambrose as well as Alan Donald (who I remember watching at Centurion), and of course Shaun Pollock who for me, as a bowling all-rounder, was the cricketer I most wanted to emulate.

A number of South African players have enjoyed playing for Surrey over the years. What do you feel you have got out of your time spent with the club?

I personally don’t feel I have performed as well as I should have, but having said that, that’s the wonderful game of cricket for you – it can humble you very quickly. I have enjoyed the crowds at the Oval and Lords, the atmosphere, the professionalism and the welcome I have received. Things are very exciting at Surrey at the moment, as there are some good youngsters coming through now – in a few years time, I reckon Surrey will be unstoppable.

How do you unwind away from the game?

I like to watch Test cricket and I play a lot of golf with my mates. I also enjoy spending time with my family, and getting away from it all out in the bush, where there is no signal or tv – just me and the wilderness. After about four days in the bush though, I start to miss hitting a cricket ball!