Morne Morkel, Yorkshire's early season overseas replacement for Rana Naved, will return home a month early to South Africa on Sunday after sustaining a hamstring injury.

The club’s worst fears were realised when a scan showed the fast bowler had sustained “a grade 2” hamstring injury during the recent County Championship match against Nottinghamshire.
 
Morkel pulled up during Friday's play complaining of a tightening in his right leg, which was initially diagnosed as a potential hamstring problem or cramp. Morkel missed the rest of the Notts match and also the Friends Provident Trophy win over Durham on Monday as a precautionary measure. A scan on Wednesday however, showed the injury was more serious than first feared.
 
The estimated healing time for such an injury is anything between three and six weeks and as Morkel was due to be replaced by Rana in early June the club and player decided it was in the best interests of both parties for Morkel to return to South Africa to rehabilitate ahead of South Africa's tour of England in the second half of the summer.
 
“I am really upset that an injury is forcing me to return home,” said Morkel, who turned down the chance to play for IPL team Jaipur to instead play county cricket.

“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.” 

Martyn Moxon, Director of Professional Cricket, said: “We are all sad to see Morne depart so soon after his arrival. He was fitting in well, provided 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 19th there is now a chance for one of our other seamers to grab an unexpected first team opportunity.”