RR’s Chris Morris: Match-readiness will be an issue in IPL-14

Chris Morris

Rajasthan Royals (RR) are set to resume their IPL-14 campaign after a break of four months against Punjab Kings in Dubai today. However, RR all-rounder Chris Morris reckoned that match-readiness will be a concern as the cricketers will be playing after a long gap.

"I think match-readiness is probably going to be an issue. Same as IPL last year in Dubai…the guys took a couple of games to get the rustiness out of their bones. I think the fortunate thing for us is that people have been playing a lot of cricket, especially overseas players. I have been pre-season at home, I think match-fitness is always the best type of fitness," Morris told mid-day.com during a virtual media interaction on Monday, when asked how it will be difficult for the players to get back momentum and form in the UAE leg.

RR have won three out of seven games in IPL 2021. Morris, who claimed 14 wickets and scored 48 in four innings in the first half of IPL-14, was the most expensive buy in IPL as RR bagged the tall South African cricketer for Rs 16.25 crore.

"I think a few guys will struggle to get that rustiness off. It is natural and it is going to happen. This is the nature of the beast with Covid-19. So, I think it will be the case initially, some guys have to shake off the rustiness but that is part and parcel of the game. You have to find a way and make it work," remarked Morris, 34.

The South African bowling all-rounder has 34 scalps in 23 T20Is, while he claimed 48 wickets in 42 ODIs. In four Tests that he has played so far, Morris has taken 12 wickets and scored 173 runs.