South African fast bowling great Morne Morkel will become one of the biggest international names in 120 years to play Sydney grade cricket when he debuts for Manly-Warringah in a T20 clash with Randwick-Petersham at Coogee Oval on Sunday.

The 35-year-old quick, who took 309 wickets during a stellar 86-Test career for the Proteas, has joined the Waratahs on a part-time basis after settling in Manly with his Australian wife Roz and their two young children.

Morkel attended Manly’s Tuesday night training session at suburban Graham Reserve, sending down half a dozen overs before tutoring some of the club’s young bowlers.

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He will suit up for the Waratahs against the Randy Petes on Sunday afternoon, becoming the biggest overseas name to grace the Sydney Grade Cricket season since Pakistan superstar Shoaib Akhtar played for Mosman in the early 2000s.

Morkel retired from international cricket last year but has a season to run on his County deal with Surrey and a T20 domestic contract to see out in South Africa later this year.

He is keen to finish up at Manly once his professional commitments are over.

“Morne is obviously coming towards the end of his wonderful cricket career and is keen to put back in at grassroots level,” Manly president Andrew Fraser told Sporting News.

“He has been absoutely incredible with his time since we began our association with him.

“He’s mentoring the young players at training and happily mingled with our sponsors and officials at our golf day last week, where he was our special guest.

“It will be a proud monent in the club’s history when he turns out for us on Sunday.

“It’s not only great for Manly, it’s great for the whole Sydney Premier competition.”

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Young NSW all-rounder Jack Edwards, who plays for Manly, is excited to have Morkel aboard.

“Morne’s record speaks for itself and he’s a fantastic guy as well," he said.

“All the boys are very excited about playing with him.”

Manly are coming off a first-up win in the T20 competition over Gordon, and boast some talented young guns including the Edwards brothers (Jack and Mickey) and Oliver Davies.

The Randy Petes thrashed Mosman in Round 1, and their side will likely include NSW all-rounder Daniel Sams as well as former IPL player Ryan Ninan.