Cricket: Morkel takes over top spot

South Africa paceman Morne Morkel has displaced England’s Graeme Swann as the top-ranked bowler in the ODI rankings.

DUBAI: South Africa paceman Morne Morkel has displaced England’s Graeme Swann as the top-ranked bowler in the International Cricket Council One Day International player rankings. While Swann has had a disappointing tour of India, claiming just two wickets, Morkel has done well in the home series against Australia. On Sunday, Morkel claimed four wickets and conceded only 22 runs in a blistering spell which helped his side clinch a series-levelling victory against the visitors. This is the first time Morkel has taken top spot in the rankings. Meanwhile, spinner Daniel Vettori of New Zealand has climbed up to second place and Swann has been demoted to third place.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 27^th, 2011.