Morne Morkel © Getty Images

Alex Brown, writing in the Sydney Morning Herald, finds out what makes Morne Morkel tick.

Morkel modelled his game on Glenn McGrath, and, like his Australian idol, the South African paceman does not lack confidence. Asked whether his pace combination with Dale Steyn and Makhaya Ntini was the best in world cricket, Morkel did not hesitate. "Yes, right now, we are definitely the best," he said. "And looking into the future, I can see us only improving."

These comments were not intended as boastful, but rather an honest assessment from an earnest young paceman. Morkel's entire career, after all, has fallen within a period of sustained South African success - eight wins from 12 Tests - and the towering 24-year-old clearly carries none of the psychological baggage of his fast bowling forebears.

Graeme Smith is the subject of an interview in the Herald Sun.