Somerset snap up Morkel

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Albie Morkel, who was recently recalled to South Africa's limited-overs squads, is set to represent Somerset in the Friends Life t20

Somerset have added further firepower to their Friends Life t20 squad with the signing of South Africa all-rounder Albie Morkel.

Morkel has been signed as the club’s second overseas player for the competition, alongside former West Indies captain Chris Gayle, after it became apparent that Roelof van der Merwe was unlikely to gain a work permit.

A powerful left-handed batsman and right-arm seam bowler, Morkel has appeared in 55 one-day and 31 Twenty20 internationals in addition to one Test.

He also has previous experience of county cricket, having represented Durham from 2008 to 2010.

Somerset director of cricket Brian Rose told the club’s official website: “Albie is an immensely gifted cricketer and especially exciting one-day player and fits in well with our set up in the T20. The combination of Gayle and Morkel is a mouth-watering prospect for our supporters.”

He added: “As we went through the detailed paperwork process it became apparent that Roelof van der Merwe was highly unlikely to be granted a work permit due to current Home Office legislation, though the door remains open for him at Somerset if the situation can be resolved.

“In the event of Roelof being unable to gain Home Office clearance in time for this season, I will be actively looking for an overseas replacement for July, August and September.”

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