Morkel backs Proteas to 'relish' challenge of 'bouncing' back from first Test defeat

South African fast bowler Morne Morkel has backed his team to relish the challenge of coming from a devastating defeat in the first Test against Australia, in the second match at Port Elizabeth.

The hosts were crushed by a whopping 281 runs in the first Test at Centurion Park and are now tasked with responding without much time between games, with a different type of pitch expected for the Test at St George's Park.

According to Sport24, however, Morkel said that it is important for his team to stand up and react to their defeat in the first Test as they are the number one team in the world, adding that although they are looking forward to the challenge of facing Australia again, they are aware that it would be a tough task.

However, Morkel said that they know what to expect from the visitors now, adding that their focus would be divided into much smaller increments like looking after their partnerships, bowling each ball and breaking down each session.

Pointing to the success of South Africa over the last few years, Morkel also said the team would not make radical changes in response to the heavy loss over the weekend, adding that they need to stick to the game plans that will get them 20 wickets.