Surrey have signed South Africa’s fast bowler Morne Morkel on a two-year deal, the club confirmed on Tuesday.
Morkel retired from international cricket after the fourth and final Test at Johannesburg against Australia. In the eventful Cape Town Test though, he claimed his 300th Test victim. He played in 86 Test matches, 117 One-Day Internationals and 44 T20 Internationals for the Proteas.
Surrey’s opening County Championship game of the season is scheduled for April 20, against Hampshire, although a left strain side strain might stop Morkel from taking part in the opener.
Morkel is the latest addition to the list of players who have signed the Kolpak deal with English counties recently. But unlike Hampshire fast bowler Kyle Abbott and Essex all-rounder Simon Harmer, the 33-year old has took the decision during latter stages of his career.
Welcome to Surrey, @mornemorkel65! 👋https://t.co/zcVxNgAk7x
— Surrey Cricket (@surreycricket) April 10, 2018
Morkel should also be a welcome addition to Surrey’s squad after Australia’s Mitchell Starc pulled out due to an ankle surgery and Tom Curran was picked up by Kolkata Knight Riders for the IPL.
Speaking after signing the club contract, Morkel said, “It is a real honour that Surrey have asked me to join their club after my retirement from international cricket,” as quoted on Surrey’s official website.
“I’ve got fond memories of playing at The Kia Oval and am looking forward to settling into London with my family for the summer, making new friendships with teammates and hopefully great memories on and off the field.”
