Former cricketer and South Africa all-rounder, Chris Morris is widely known for his excellence in both batting and bowling.
Also recognized as one of the most expensive players in the IPL, Morris has created a significant mark in cricket history.
Summary & Key Takeaways
ShowChris Morris: A Comprehensive Look at His Cricket Career
Chris Morris, born on April 30, 1987, in Pretoria, South Africa, emerged as a formidable cricketing talent, known for his fast-medium bowling and powerful batting.
His cricket journey spans various formats and leagues, with notable performances in domestic, international, and franchise cricket, particularly in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
Morris’ career is a blend of late blooming, explosive performances, and significant contributions to the teams he played for.
Early Career
Morris’ entry into professional cricket was relatively late; he made his first-class debut at the age of 22 for North West.
His breakthrough came in the 2011-12 season, where he finished as the leading wicket-taker in South Africa’s domestic T20 competition.
Domestic Career
In domestic cricket, Morris played for teams like North West, Highveld Lions, and Titans.
He was a key player for the Lions, especially in the 2012 Champions League, where his performances helped the team reach the final.
International Career
Morris made his international debut for South Africa in a T20I against New Zealand in December 2012.
He played his first ODI in June 2013 against Pakistan and made his Test debut against England in January 2016.
Although his Test appearances were limited, he made a significant impact in limited-overs cricket.
His role in the 2019 Cricket World Cup, where he was South Africa’s leading wicket-taker, highlighted his capabilities on the international stage.
IPL Career and Other Franchises
Morris’ IPL career began in 2013 with Chennai Super Kings. He became one of the IPL’s biggest beneficiaries, with his auction price reaching new heights in subsequent seasons.
His ability to bowl at speeds over 140kph and his fearless batting made him a sought-after player in the league.
He played for teams like Delhi Capitals, Rajasthan Royals, and Royal Challengers Bangalore, often turning games around with his all-round performances.
His highest IPL score, an explosive 82 not out, is a validation to his batting prowess.
Career Across Formats
In Tests, Morris played only a handful of matches but left a mark with both bat and ball. His ODI and T20I careers were more prolific, with notable performances against top cricketing nations.
His bowling, characterized by speed and accuracy, coupled with his hard-hitting lower-order batting, made him a versatile player across formats.
Retirement and Coach Career
South African all-rounder Chris Morris announced his retirement from all forms of cricket in January 2022.
Morris, who made his international debut against New Zealand in December 2012, had a notable career featuring in four Tests, 42 ODIs, and 23 T20Is for South Africa, with his last international appearance in 2019.
Known for his impactful performances, Morris’ first Test match was during England’s tour of South Africa in 2016.
Following his retirement, he expressed excitement about embarking on a coaching role, indicating a new chapter in his cricketing journey.
Morris shared his gratitude on Instagram, thanking everyone who played a part in his career, big or small, and mentioned his delight in taking up a coaching position with Titans Cricket.
Chris Morris: A Cricket Records by IPL Legends
Chris Morris, a prominent South African bowling all-rounder, has made significant strides in international cricket from 2012 to 2019. His records in Tests, ODIs, and T20Is reflect his versatility and skill on the cricket field. Here’s a detailed look at some of his significant records:
One-Day Internationals (ODIs)
- Ducks and Pairs: Ranked 15th for having no ducks in his career (27 innings).
- Bowling Hauls: Achieved 18th place for the most consecutive four-wickets-in-an-innings (2 times).
Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is)
Chris Morris: Family Background and Personal Life
Chris Morris, a renowned South African cricketer, hails from a family deeply rooted in cricket. His journey, both personal and professional, is intertwined with his family’s support and his own cricketing prowess.
Family Background
Chris Morris was born on April 30, 1987, in Pretoria, South Africa. Growing up in a sporting family, he showed an early inclination towards cricket.
He attended the Afrikaanse Hoër Seunskool (Afrikaans High School for Boys) in Pretoria, where he honed his cricket skills and represented South Africa at the Under-19 level.
Morris’ father, Willie Morris, a former cricketer, played a significant role in shaping Chris’s early cricketing career.
Willie was a left-arm orthodox bowler in South African domestic cricket. The cricketing gene was evidently passed down, as both Chris and his father achieved the remarkable feat of taking a hat-trick in their domestic cricket careers.
However, details about Chris Morris’s mother are not widely known, as the family has maintained a certain level of privacy regarding their personal life.
Personal Life
Chris Morris is married to Lisa Oosthuizen. The couple tied the knot in 2018 and have since been a pillar of support for each other. Chris and Lisa are blessed with two children, a son and a daughter.
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Behind the Net Worth and Financial Success of Chris Morris
Chris Morris, the South African cricket sensation, has not only made a name for himself on the cricket field but also in the financial world.
With a net worth estimated at around $9 million, Morris’s journey from the cricket pitch to financial prosperity is a tale of talent, hard work, and smart investments.
Net Worth and Earnings
IPL Stint and Record-Breaking Auction
- IPL 2021: Morris made headlines when he became the most expensive player in IPL history. The Rajasthan Royals acquired him for a staggering ₹16.25 crore (approximately $2.2 million).
- Previous IPL Teams: Before joining Rajasthan Royals, Morris played for Royal Challengers Bangalore, Delhi Capitals (formerly Delhi Daredevils), and Chennai Super Kings.
- Total IPL Earnings: His earnings from the IPL alone amount to ₹591,793,750, contributing significantly to his net worth.
Net Worth Growth
- 2023 Estimate: Morris’s net worth is estimated to be around Rs. 70 Crore INR.
- Yearly Growth: His net worth has seen a steady increase over the years, from Rs. 42 Crore INR in 2020 to its current estimate.
Assets and Lifestyle
Morris owns a luxurious designer house in Galle, South Africa, and has multiple real estate properties across various countries. He also love for luxury cars, which includes high-end brands like Audi, BMW, and Mercedes SUVs.
6 Controversy Involving Chris Morris
Chris Morris, known for his competitive spirit on the cricket field, has been involved in several controversies throughout his career.
These incidents have often sparked debates and discussions in the cricketing world. Here’s a comprehensive look at these controversies, arranged from the most recent:
1. Chris Morris and Chetan Sakariya Incident
In a notable incident, Chris Morris expressed his frustration with teammate Chetan Sakariya during a match
The controversy arose when Sakariya failed to field a ball properly, leading to Morris fuming with anger and shouting at the youngster.
2. Sanju Samson-Chris Morris Single Controversy (2021)
In an IPL 2021 match, Rajasthan Royals’ captain Sanju Samson denied Chris Morris a single on the penultimate ball against Punjab Kings, needing 5 runs from 2 balls.
This decision led to a huge debate. Kumar Sangakkara, the Royals’ Director of Cricket, backed Samson’s decision, stating that Samson believed he could win the game himself.
3. Chris Morris’ Response to IPL-PSL Debate (2021)
Morris was involved in a debate concerning the Indian Premier League (IPL) and Pakistan Super League (PSL).
This was sparked by Dale Steyn’s comments that PSL is more rewarding than IPL, as IPL’s focus on money overshadows the game.
Morris disagreed with Steyn, stating that everyone is entitled to their opinion, and he personally did not share the same view.
4. Verbal Exchange with Hardik Pandya (2020)
During the prestigious IPL 2020 match between Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bangalore, Morris and Hardik Pandya were reprimanded for a verbal exchange.
The incident occurred after Pandya hit Morris for a six and was later caught out. Both players admitted to their respective Level 1 offences under the IPL’s Code of Conduct.
5. Fake Mankad Scare in BBL (2020)
In a Big Bash League match, Morris gave Marcus Stoinis a fake Mankad scare. The ball slipped from his hand during his run-up, but he continued and pretended to run out Stoinis at the non-striker’s end.
The incident was taken in good humor, but it highlighted the ongoing debate around the Mankad dismissal in cricket.
6. Bowling a 7-Ball Over in ICC Cricket World Cup (2019)
During a World Cup match against Pakistan, Morris bowled a 7-ball over due to an umpiring error.
The incident did not have a significant impact on the game, as the extra ball did not result in any runs or a wicket, but it raised questions about umpiring standards in high-profile tournaments.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Which team Chris Morris play in IPL?
Chris Morris played for the Rajasthan Royals in the IPL 2021 season. He became the most expensive player in IPL auction history that year, being bought for INR 16.25 crores by the Rajasthan Royals.
Why did Morris retire?
Chris Morris announced his retirement from all forms of cricket on January 11, 2022. He did not specify a particular reason for his retirement in his announcement, but he expressed his excitement about starting a new chapter in his life, taking up a coaching role with the domestic side Titans.
How much does Chris Morris earn in IPL?
In the IPL 2021 auction, Chris Morris was bought for a record INR 16.25 crores by the Rajasthan Royals, making him the most expensive player in the history of the IPL auctions at that time.
What is Chris Morris doing now?
After retiring from all forms of cricket, Chris Morris has taken up a coaching role with the Titans, a domestic cricket team in South Africa.
