Morkel quits Pakistan staff ahead of Australia Tests

South African Morne Morkel has resigned as Pakistan's bowling coach, leaving the country's cricket board searching for a replacement ahead of the Test series in Australia starting next month.

Pakistan finished fifth in the Cricket World Cup standings with eight points having won four matches and losing five, with their final defeat by outgoing champions England on Saturday ruling them out of contention for the knockout stages of the tournament.

The former South Africa fast bowler had joined the team on a six-month contract in June.

"Pakistan Cricket Board will announce his replacement in due course," the board said in a short statement on Monday without providing any reason for Morkel's departure.

Morkel had joined the team for their two-match tTest series against Sri Lanka, which they won 2-0, before a one-day series against Afghanistan and the disappointing Asia Cup campaign.

The series against Australia runs from December 14 to January 7, 2024.