Monday 26 February 2018 23:27, UK
South Africa bowler Morne Morke will retire from international cricket at the end of the four-Test series against Australia.
Morkel has been a regular for the Proteas since making his Test debut against India in 2006, and the 33-year-old has taken 529 international wickets across all three formats of the game.
Morkel confirmed his plans for retirement in a statement on Monday, which read: "It was an extremely tough decision but I feel the time is right to start a new chapter.
"I have a young family and a foreign wife, and the current demanding international schedule has put a lot of strain on us. I have to put them first and this decision will only benefit us going forward."
Morkel has no intention of quitting cricket altogether, as he added: "I still feel there is a lot of cricket left in me and I am excited for what lies ahead.
"For now, all of my energy and focus is on helping the Proteas win the upcoming series against Australia."
Morkel could become only the fifth South African to reach 300 Test wickets in the upcoming series against Australia, having produced 294 dismissals in his previous 83 matches.
