Morkel makes Yorkshire move

Morne Morkel has played nine one-dayers © Getty Images

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Morne Morkel is set to start for Yorkshire in the early stages of their 2008 domestic campaign, having signed a short-term deal to deputise for Rana Naved-ul-Hasan.

The South Africa international will be on a week-to-week contract until Naved-ul-Hasan recovers from the shoulder injury he sustained at the end of last season.

Morkel has played one Test, nine one-day internationals and six Twenty20s for South Africa since June 2007, providing useful runs down the order and a pacy seam bowling attack.

He played in the ICC World Twenty20 in his home country in 2007 and is thought to be a genuine prospect for South Africa over the next few years, particularly with the recent retirement of Shaun Pollock.

Morkel said: “I am really pleased to have signed for Yorkshire. Although it is a short-term deal I am excited about the opportunity to play for such a historic and important club. The opportunity to play county cricket is one I couldn’t ignore.

“I want to use the time I have with Yorkshire to help get the team off to a flying start and develop my own game. It will be great to play under a captain like Darren Gough and I know I can learn a lot from him about quick bowling.”

Morkel joins South African compatriot Jacques Rudolph, who is on a Kolpak deal, at Headingely Carnegie and the 23-year-old has already impressed both him and former Yorkshire captain Geoffrey Boycott.

Yorkshire’s chief executive, Stewart Regan, said: “Morne Morkel is a quality acquisition and a very talented prospect.

"We are pleased to have secured his services and he will provide excellent cover for Rana Naved during the first part of the season. He is highly regarded by Geoffrey Boycott who tells me that he can bowl very quickly indeed.

“I’ve also spoken to Jacques Rudolph who has been impressed by Morne’s performances and is looking forward to playing with him at Headingley Carnegie.”

Morkel will join the rest of the Yorkshire squad after they have returned from their pre-season tour of Abu Dhabi in early April.