Morkel admits Proteas have laid down 'marker' for WC

South Africa's towering paceman Morne Morkel has admitted that they have laid down a marker for the World Cup.

Everyone would be watching as South Africa's fearsome pace attack goes up against New Zealand batsman, 16 weeks ahead of their World Cup opener at Monday's venue, Seddon Park.

The tourists are set to give New Zealand batsmen some respite by resting Dale Steyn in the third ODI, but the telling statement has already been made on this tour, Stuff.co.nz reported.

Morkel said that it's very important to lay down a marker for the World Cup, adding that as a bowling unit South Africa has done really well and it helps them with their body language and confidence.

The paceman said that it's nice to hear when other teams talk about their lineup but added that there goes a responsibility and pressure with those sort of things.

Australia is marginally ahead of South Africa as early World Cup favourites. And those two sides meet in the five-match ODI series in Australia next month, which might determine the team to fear.

With South Africa's world-class batting and bowling lineups firing, and confidence skyrocketing, they hold the early advantage

Morkel said that is was very important for South Africa to do this tour and find their feet and know what to expect, weather-wise and pitch-wise.

And with Morkel taking over leadership of the attack in Steyn's likely absence, there would be no letting up as backup quicks Wayne Parnell and Kyle Abbott look to their first starts of the tour.

He said that when one puts a South Africa shirt on one always give 100 percent, adding that for them losing and taking the foot off the pedal is not an option. He said that they might see a couple of changes but the rest of the boys would be very hungry to make it 3-0.