Morkel's time at Yorkshire cut short

4:14pm Thursday 8th May 2008

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Yorkshire have been dealt a shocking blow with the news that overseas star Morne Morkel will return home to South Africa this weekend after tearing a hamstring.

The 23-year-old had a scan on Wednesday, which revealed a grade two tear to his right hamstring, and will now be out of action for three to six weeks.

He pulled up during his debut in the recent County Championship game against Nottinghamshire at Headingley Carnegie - and missed Monday's Friends Provident Trophy game against Durham as a precaution.

He admitted that he was fully expecting to be fit for Sunday's FPT North Division Group game against Roses rivals Lancashire but will now travel to Old Trafford to say his goodbyes to the Tykes squad.

A Yorkshire club statement said: "A scan on Wednesday has shown that the injury was more serious than first feared."

Yorkshire coach Martyn Moxon has said that he will not be replacing the Nashua Titans star, who was only at the club until Rana Naved-ul-Hasan is ready to play.

Rana, the Pakistan Test bowler, can only be registered on May 19. He could arrive in England before then to play a couple of second-team games.

Morkel said: "I am really upset that an injury is forcing me to return home. Everyone at Yorkshire has made me very welcome and I was desperate to take some wickets and get Yorkshire off to the best possible start.

"I wish the club every success this season and look forward to seeing everyone again when I am back here for the Tests and one-day internationals with South Africa.

"Hopefully my chance of playing county cricket for Yorkshire has not gone forever."

Morkel has played six Test matches for his country - and featured prominently in the recent drawn series against India on the sub-continent.

If he is picked in the South African squad for their tour of England later in the summer, he could be back at Headingley for the second Test on July 18.

Moxon said: "We are all sad to see Morne depart so soon after his arrival. He was fitting in well, providing our bowling attack with some variety as he is a genuinely quick bowler. We wish him all the best in his recovery.

"We have a strong squad - and, as Rana Naved will be unable to be registered as a Yorkshire player before May 19, there is now a chance for one of our other seamers to grab an unexpected first-team opportunity."

Chief executive Stewart Regan added: "We look forward to welcoming him back to Yorkshire for July's Test match and the August one-day international, when he will be touring with South Africa."