Young gun has divided loyalty
Jaron Morgan says he will be a neutral spectator when Australia's Test side takes on the Proteas in South Africa next month.
It is a strange admission for a young man who will be preparing to represent Australia in the under-19 World Cup in Dubai when the first Test starts at Centurion on February 12.
Morgan has not totally let go of his allegiances to his birth country, despite moving to Perth as a toddler, and names South African wicket-keeper AB de Villiers as his cricketing hero.
But the 18-year-old, who captained Australia in a one-day series in India last year, knows supporting South Africa will only be tolerated for so long.
"Playing for Australia now you have got to kind of start leaning a bit more towards them now," Morgan said.
"You can't keep supporting the team if you don't play for them, I guess."
Morgan is determined to make a career out of his cricketing ability and doesn't have to look far for inspiration, with the likes of Australian captain Michael Clarke, and key players Shane Watson and Mitchell Johnson all coming through the junior pathway.
The top-order batsman was the only West Australian chosen in the 15-member World Cup squad, which leaves for a warm-up competition in Sri Lanka at the end of this month before the tournament starts in mid-February.
Morgan, who is studying sports science at university, said he would love the oppor- tunity to captain his country again.
"It is a good list of people so hopefully I can get as far as they have," he said.
"I reckon I have had a good 12 months. It started with pre- season in April and continued through to now.
"I worked really hard on fitness more than anything else and then the cricket came with it I guess.
"I felt pretty comfortable captaining so I hope I get another go at it."
The Burns Beach teenager was 12th man for WA in a Sheffield Shield game last year and receives regular advice and encouragement from Warriors coach Justin Langer.
Morgan said his inclusion in the team was more about learning, but has been encouraged by the way Langer backs young players.
"He is building young players up, building WA up so hopefully I can get a crack and do the same as what the youngsters are doing now," he said.
Morgan said he preferred the shorter forms of the game, but would love to play Test cricket, forcing his way into the side in similar style to David Warner.
… you have got to kind of start leaning a bit more towards them now."Jaron Morgan
