Great eight as Rushworth gets Durham testimonial
Durham star Chris Rushworth has been awarded a testimonial in 2019.
The 32-year-old pace bowler, who made his first-class debut in 2010, has represented Durham for eight years and has amassed 110 first-class appearances.
Sunderland-born Rushworth yesterday passed 400 first-class wickets for Durham, and is the club’s fourth-highest wicket-taker behind Steve Harmison, Simon Brown and Graham Onions.
“I am delighted that the club has offered me a testimonial,” Rushworth said. “To be recognised by my home county supporters for my service to the club is an honour and I’m looking forward to next year.
“I love this club and have enjoyed some fantastic moments, including winning the County Championship, One Day Cup, PCA Player of the Year in 2016, plus getting to the final of the T20 Blast at Edgbaston in 2016.
“The club is getting stronger and I’m excited to see what we can achieve going forward; hopefully I’ll be making some announcements for events early in the new year.”
Rushworth was released by Durham in 2006 but demonstrated immense dedication to his ambition of becoming a professional and was resigned by the club in 2010.
His bowling helped Durham to win the Championship in 2013 and he was named 2015 PCA Player of the Year after taking 83 wickets.
His star is not waning though - as he showed by leading Durham’s fightback on day two of their Specsavers County Championship Division Two clash against Sussex at Emirates Riverside.
After being bowled out for 103, Rushworth was outstanding dragging the home side back into the contest by claiming figures of 8-51 as Sussex finished only 19 ahead on first innings.
Rushworth’s subtle variations in pace and movement saw him notch his 400th firstclass wicket for Durham by bowling Harry Finch for 12 with a fine delivery in his outstanding display.
Durham capitalised on their momentum to eradicate the deficit without loss as Cameron Steel and Alex Lees built a solid partnership, putting on 72 for the first wicket before Lees was given out caught behind on 43 off the bowling of Robinson.
Steel finished the day unbeaten on 114, alongside Axar Patel, with Durham well poised on 220-4, 201 runs ahead of the visitors.