DUBAI: Paceman Morne Morkel hopes his new-ball partner Dale Steyn will get fit sooner than later to boost South Africa in the last two one-day matches against Pakistan. “Dale is world number one, anybody will miss Dale, espcially for me bowling with him,” Morkel, 26, told reporters ahead of Friday's fourth one-dayer in the five-match series which South Africa leads by 2-1. “As a unit we create a lot of pressure together and I hope he gets fit and returns to the field as soon as possible,” said Morkel of the 27-year-old paceman who missed both the Twenty20 and all three one-day matches on the tour. Team management said Steyn bowled in the nets and will be monitored before a decision is taken on him before Friday's match. Steyn suffered a head injury while taking a catch in last month's Champions League held in South Africa. South Africa, which won the Twenty20 series 2-0, won the first match by eight wickets before Pakistan outlasted it by one wicket in the second match - both played in Abu Dhabi. Hashim Amla struck a fighting hundred and Morkel took 4-47 as South Africa survived a last-over scare to win the third match in Dubai Tuesday. Morkel said Steyn's return will also help in solving the death-over problems for the team. “Dale is a key player and also makes a big difference for us into that powerplay and death overs,” said Morkel of the final 10 overs when South Africa failed to restrict Pakistan in the last two matches. Morkel hoped the final 10 over problem for South Africa will be solved in time for next year's World Cup, jointly hosted by India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. “I think it's (final overs problem) not only for us, but a problem for other teams as well. We saw in Australia and Sri Lanka that the last 10 overs and the batting power play can change the game. We are working on it and I am sure that in time for the World Cup,” said Morkel. Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi hoped his team would bounce back Friday. “We know it's a crucial match for us and we want to win that and set up a final showdown in the last match (on Sunday),” said Afridi, hinting off-spinner Saeed Ajmal may be replaced with left-arm spinner Abdul Rehman. – Agence France
