Morkel thanks Dhoni for support

Johannesburg, 14 Jan (PTI) South African all-rounderAlbie Morkel has thanked India skipper Mahendra Singh Dhonifor inquiring about him after he was excluded from the sidefor the five-match one-day series against the visitors.

Dhoni inquired about Morkel, after the national selectionpanel led by former South Africa opener Andrew Hudson, gavethe boot to the all-rounder.

"It was a great honour to hear that a player of (Dhoni''s)calibre had good things to say about me, but I don''t think theselectors will change their minds now," Morkel said.

"Naturally it was disappointing not to make the team,because it''s now reasonably clear that it''s the end of mydream of representing South Africa in the World Cup," theall-rounder was quoted as saying by Beeld.

Having played in 51 one-day internationals and 31 T20matches, Morkel is still one of the most sought-after T20players in the world.

He was the lone South African player to be retained by anIPL side, Chennai Super Kings, for the fourth edition of theT20 league starting in April.

Morkel also has a contract to play in Sri Lanka in July.

"That is probably the direction I will have to take ifthe selectors believe I am not good enough to make the team,"Morkel said adding that there were no "sour grapes" over hisomission, even though he was waiting for the officialreason.