Morne Morkel signs for Surrey on two-year deal
Tuesday 10 April 2018 15:02, UK
South African bowler Morne Morkel has signed for Surrey on a two-year contract.
Morkel, 33, retired from international duty following the Test series victory over Australia last week, and will be available for Surrey in all forms of the game as a Kolpak registered player until the end of the 2019 English season.
He was also part of the side that helped South Africa rise to number one in the International Cricket Council Test rankings in 2012, and he finished with 309 wickets in the format.
"It is a real honour that Surrey have asked me to join their club after my retirement from international cricket," Morkel told the club's official website.
"I've got fond memories of playing at The Oval and am looking forward to settling into London with my family for the summer, making new friendships with team-mates and hopefully great memories on and off the field."
Morkel follows in the footsteps of former international team-mates Graeme Smith and Hashim Amla, both of whom have played for Surrey in recent years.
Director of cricket Alec Stewart said: "Following his retirement from international cricket I am very pleased that Morne has signed for Surrey for at least the next two years.
"He has had an outstanding career with South Africa and is a player that will add enormous strength and experience to our squad. His appetite to continue playing and most importantly performing was very evident from our very first conversation.
"He sets exceedingly high standards for himself and for our young bowlers to have the opportunity to train and play alongside Morne can only help to develop their own games. We look forward to welcoming Morne and his family to The Oval for the start of the season."
