Yorkshire bowler Morne Morkel has been forced to return home to South Africa after injury halted his county spell.

Morkel, who signed as a replacement for Pakistan seamer Rana Naved-ul-Hasan, suffered a grade two hamstring tear while playing for Yorkshire in their four-day match against Nottinghamshire at Headingley.

"This type of injury normally takes three weeks to clear up, so we decided the best thing was for Morne to come home for rest and recuperation," said South Africa coach Mickey Arthur.

"It is obviously hugely disappointing for Morne but the good news is that he will be fit in plenty of time for the Proteas' tour of England."

Morkel, who is a Cricket South Africa contracted player, expressed his disappointment at not being able to continue his stint at Yorkshire.

"The people there were very good to me and I was enjoying my cricket at Leeds.

"I was particularly keen to pick up tips from their captain, Darren Gough, who was one of England's outstanding fast bowlers.

"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."

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