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Yorkshire have been dealt a major blow with overseas star Morne Morkel returning home to South Africa this weekend after tearing a hamstring.

The 23 year-old had a scan which revealed a grade two tear to his right hamstring and he will now be out of action for three to six weeks.

Morkel pulled up during his debut, the recent County Championship game against Nottinghamshire at Headingley Carnegie, and missed Monday's Friends Provident Trophy game against Durham. He had already admitted he was fully expecting to be fit for Sunday's North Division game against Roses rivals Lancashire.

But instead he will only now travel to Manchester to say farewell to the Tykes squad.

A Yorkshire spokesman said: "Morne pulled up during Friday's play complaining of a tightening in the right leg, which was initially diagnosed as a potential hamstring problem or cramp.

"A scan has shown that the injury was more serious than first feared."

Yorkshire coach Martyn Moxon said he will not be replacing the Nashua Titans star, who was only due to stay at the club until Rana Naved-ul-Hasan is ready to play.

Rana, the Pakistan Test bowler, can only be registered on May 19. However, he could arrive in England before then to play some second team cricket.

Morkel said: "I am really upset that an injury is forcing me to return home.

"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."

If he is picked in the South African squad for their tour of England later in the summer, he could be back at Headingley for the second Test on July 18.

Moxon said: "We are all sad to see Morne depart so soon. He was fitting in well, and provided our bowling attack with some variety as he is genuinely quick.

"We have a strong squad and, as Rana Naved will be unable to be registered as a Yorkshire player before May 19, there is now a chance for one of our other seamers to grab an unexpected first team opportunity."

Yorkshire 2nds were expected to complete an emphatic conquest of Nottinghamshire at Stamford Bridge today.

Ben Sanderson picked up all four wickets to fall as Notts' second innings teetered on 25-4.

Earlier Yorkshire piled up 419 thanks to 127 from Adam Lyth and 87 from fellow opener Chris Taylor leaving the visitors still 131 runs adrift.

10:26am Friday 9th May 2008

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