'It would have taken a straitjacket': Morkel

Hobbled paceman Morne Morkel says South Africa would have had to put him in a straitjacket to stop him from bowling in the final innings of his international career.

Ahead of the first Test against Australia, the towering right-armer announced he would call time on a decorated decade-long career at the conclusion of the four-match series.

A side strain, an injury fast bowlers typically struggle to bowl through, threatened to derail Morkel's last outing for South Africa in the fourth Test against Australia in Johannesburg.

But the 33-year-old pushed through the pain with the help of some painkillers, picking up two wickets late on day four before Vernon Philander ploughed through the visitors the following morning to send his fellow quick out on a high.

"There was no way I was going to sit in the changing room for two days, it would have taken a straitjacket," Morkel said after the 492-run win.

"The mission was to beat the Aussies on home turf and to complete that is a special feeling. I was happy to bowl a few more overs and enjoy the atmosphere one last time.

"It's tough to put into words - it's very emotional and it's been a great journey. The main thing is to keep on working hard. I am so grateful for all the opportunities I was given and to go out on a high.

"I am saying goodbye to a special bunch of guys, boys, brothers - I can only be the man I am team today playing in a fantastic culture and environment.

"I am going to miss playing in front of a home ground but I am excited for the new guy. He is in for a special time."

Dropped for the second Test in Port Elizabeth after a below-par showing in the series-opener, Morkel came roaring back with nine wickets for the match in Cape Town to finish with player-of-the-match honours.

The 33-year-old, who on Tuesday would not confirm reports he's signed a deal with English county Surrey as a Kolpak player, finishes with 309 Test scalps (the fifth-most by a South African) to go along with more than 200 international limited-overs wickets.

"The tributes are richly deserved," captain Faf du Plessis said of Morkel.

"He is one of the nicest guys in cricket and a great servant of the game. When times are tough, he is great to have around. The next guy has big shoes to fill."

While his international career is over, Morkel could become hot property in domestic T20 leagues around the world.

Perth Scorchers coach Justin Langer has previously expressed an interest in signing the towering quick, who is likely to field interest from KFC Big Bash League clubs. His Australian wife Roz Kelly has been part of Network 10’s BBL coverage for the past two summers.

Former Australia captain Steve Waugh recently labelled Morkel one of the most underrated bowlers on the planet.

"He’s been terrorising batsmen for a long time,” Waugh said last month.

"The thing I like about Morne is that he’s a fantastic bowler who is very respectful of the game. He’s a very humble person.

"I didn’t play against him, but I just like the way he plays the game. He just tears in every ball and gives it everything.

"He's one of the most underrated players in the world."