Latham set for a Riverside return in 2018

DURHAM have been boosted ahead of their final Specsavers County Championship Division Two game of the season at Worcestershire today – with the news overseas batsman Tom Latham is set to agree terms to return to Emirates Riverside next year.

The deal is subject to his New Zealand duties but should be concluded over the next few days.

Latham (pictured), who has been recalled by Cricket New Zealand ahead of their international tour schedule, added steel to the top of the Blast order this season, scoring 139 runs in five innings, but also impressed against the red ball.

He started his Durham career in strong fashion with a County Championship debut century at Leicestershire, following up with 62 in the NatWest T20 Blast match against Worcestershire Rapids.

Head coach Jon Lewis said: “Tom has made a fantastic contribution on and off the field during his time here at Durham.

“His performances with the bat have been excellent and he is a big influence in the dressing room.

“Myself and the players are delighted he will be returning for the entire 2018 campaign.”

Durham begin their four-day clash at New Road against a Worcestershire side needing a maximum of six points to clinch promotion to Division One, while 19 points would secure the Division Two title. Home skipper Joe Leach warned the visitors: “Our aim now is to win the final game and go up as champions. “It is fantastic knowing if we win the game then we win the league. “It is very pleasing and hopefully we can get over the line and put in a performance this week. “If we do our jobs and play to somewhere near our potential we are going to have every chance of not only being promoted but going up as champions.”