Victorian-era gun Will Pkowski reveals how Lance Morris turned Australian batsmen’s fear of speed into a frightening reality as ‘The Wild Thing’ hunts for the Test cap.
Pukowski, who has faced Morris in the Sheffield Shield tournament, said he knew the 24-year-old Western Australian had all the qualities to be a successful Test pace bowler almost instantly.
“When I first played[Morris]I was like, ‘Wow, he’s got all the raw attributes,'” Pukowski said. Channel 7.
Watch Australia vs South Africa. All test matches are live and ad breaks on Kayo. New to Kayo? Start your free trial now >
Kawaja marvels at stunning SCG century | 03:25
“He has a pace you can’t teach. He doesn’t get the nickname ‘The Wild Thing’ for no reason.” ”
“When he first came onto the scene, he was a little bit inconsistent.
“I knew he definitely had the wicketball and he had the ability to really jump and worry, but I knew he was probably getting a loose ball or two in over-overs. I did.”
With a high score of 62 in a single test, Pukowski recalled Morris becoming a blistering bowling machine in one season.
Morris has only played 18 first-class matches, but he impressed by taking 59 wickets at an average of 25.08 from two five-wicket holes.
The young Quick was highly regarded within Australia’s cricket camp and was in contention for the SCG’s first Test cap in the New Year’s Test.
“I remember going from one season to the next saying, ‘I don’t care if I face him, just pick up the pace a little bit.’ However, I think I can score quite freely against him.
See BBL12. All games are live and ad break free while playing on Kayo. New to Kayo? Start your free trial now >
Marnus explains a strange writer’s request. 00:39
Get all the latest cricket news, highlights and analysis delivered straight to your inbox with Fox Sports Sportmail. Sign up now!!!
“Then I played him again and was like, ‘Wow, this guy doesn’t miss anymore.
“Okay, this is all really starting to come together, and maybe now that you’ve put the whole package together, all the fears that all the batsmen around Australian cricket have finally turned into reality.
Morris faces stiff competition within Australia’s bowling cartel, which includes Pat Cummins, Josh Hazelwood, Mitchell Stark and Scott Borland.
Cricket legend Brett Lee had backed him to score Baggy Green and had called on selectors to unleash him in the Sydney Test.
When asked who he would choose for SCG, Brett Lee said, “I’m actually going to bring in Josh Hazlewood for Mitchell Stark to unleash Wild Thing 2.0.
“He’s the fastest in the West, but he might be the fastest in the Australian period as well.
“I love aggressive bowlers.