Elliott admits defeat to knee injury

Matthew Elliott: 'The club have been very understanding of my situation but at the end of the day I have to follow the surgeon's advice' © Getty Images

Matthew Elliott has pulled out of his county deal with Glamorgan after finally succumbing to the knee injury that has plagued his season for South Australia. Mark Cosgrove, Elliott's team-mate in Adelaide, will take his place after an impressive domestic season.

Elliott's withdrawal means Glamorgan have lost both their original overseas players following Michael Kasprowicz's decision to turn down the county to prolong his Test career. However, Elliott is confident Cosgrove will prove an able replacement. He old the South Wales Evening Post: "Mark is one of the best young batsmen in state cricket and he will play for Australia one day. I am sure he will score a lot of runs for Glamorgan this summer."

"I am very disappointed to be missing the 2006 county season for Glamorgan," added Elliott. "The club have been very understanding of my situation but at the end of the day I have to follow the surgeon's advice, I can't take any risks by rushing my comeback.

"I love playing for Glamorgan and have made a lot of friends in Cardiff. I definitely want to go back to Sophia Gardens next year.

Glamorgan are still in the market for a second replacement overseas player to cover for the loss of Kasprowicz, but have said they won't sign a player just for the sake of it. In a commendable approach they have refused to bolster their squad with Kolpak signings, instead giving youth a chance, which has resulted in them struggling in recent seasons but could still bring benefits in the long-term.

They were relegated to the Second Division of the Championship last summer, but are in the top flight for the revamped Pro40 league.