Morne Morkel decides against Surrey return due to Covid-19 travel complications

The pandemic meant the 36-year-old missed much of the 2020 season and he doesn't want a repeat scenario next season and beyond

• Surrey predicting gloomy future without spectators
• First-class counties predicting big losses

Surrey have lost the services of Morne Morkel after the South Africa seamer decided against a fourth season at The Kia Oval.

Central to the decision was the travel restrictions enforced by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Morkel missed much of the 2020 season, partly due to being stuck in Sydney as the virus took hold.

Upon arriving in England he was able to make one appearance, in the Bob Willis Trophy against Hampshire, before being ruled out for the rest of the season after ankle surgery.

The 2021 campaign also presented the added complication of all Kolpak contracts being cancelled due to the United Kingdom's exit from the European Union. Morkel would have had to sign up as an overseas player to be eligible to remain.

"Unfortunately, the time has come to move onto a new chapter," said Morkel. "The COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent quarantine requirements has made travel challenging and it is no longer feasible to spend large amounts of time away from home and my family.

"Surrey will forever be in my heart and I wish the team all the best for the coming season and beyond. I’ll be watching and supporting from afar."

Morkel took 136 wickets across all formats for Surrey after joining the club in 2018, following his retirement from South Africa duty. He led the team to the County Championship title in his maiden campaign and has been a central figure in the attack throughout.

Previously, he'd taken 544 international wickets across all formats.

The decision leaves Surrey with a dilemma heading into the new campaign, with Australian Michael Neser having also turned down a move to south London after the cancellation of his summer contract.

Director of cricket Alec Stewart added: "Sourcing a suitable replacement for Morne will not be easy and therefore we won’t make a decision on a new signing until there’s more clarity on the international schedule and player availability during our season. We will only sign someone who we believe will add to the quality of our squad."