Morkel signs for Yorkshire

Morne Morkel, the South Africa fast bowler, has signed for Yorkshire as cover for Rana Naved-ul-Hasan for the early part of the season.

Morkel, who played for Kent last season in their Twenty20 campaign, had a reasonable one-day series against West Indies last week, picking up seven wickets in three games with a best of 4 for 36.

"I am really pleased to have signed for Yorkshire," Morkel said. "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 has signed on a "week by week" contract until the availability of Naved-ul-Hasan - whose Pakistan board have expressed concerns over the amount of county cricket their internationals play - is confirmed.

"Morne Morkel is a quality acquisition and a very talented prospect," Stewart Regan, the Yorkshire chief executive, said. "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."