Morne Morkel hopes to begin his new life as a Kolpak player with Surrey in June.

The former Proteas star picked up a side strain in the final Test against Australia at the same time as his 300th Test wicket. It was sufficiently serious to keep him out of the county cricket opening round, but he hopes to be back to action in June.

‘I wanted to be in that starting XI for Surrey. But the most important thing is for me to get fit and get playing, taking wickets and trying to win games for Surrey.

‘It’s a long season, so for me to rush into it would be silly but luckily I’m in fantastic hands here so, it’s just a matter of time.

‘I’m with the medical staff now and going according to what they say. They know best so I’m just following their advice and going day by day.’

He is undergoing a ‘back to bowling’ programme to get him ready by the start of June.

‘It’s great to be in a new kit. I’ve settled in very nicely in a beautiful village near Wimbledon,’ said Morkel. ‘It’s a little bit cold for my liking but I’ve prepared myself mentally for that. I just can’t wait to get playing out on the park with the boys.’

Surrey open their season against Hampshire, who had a triumphant start, beating Worcestershire by 196 runs. Kyle Abbott played a leading role, taking seven wickets in the match and contributing a valuable 51 down the order which set Worcs an impossible target.

Dean Elgar, who is on a two-month contract with the London based county is likely to open the batting for Surrey against Abbott.

Also making a debut will be his Proteas opening partner Aiden Markram, for Durham, who face Kent.

Providing the weather plays its part, Markram will come up against Heino Kuhn in his introduction to county cricket.

Photo: Photo: Chris Ricco/BackpagePix