Durham duo handed new contracts

Durham have handed new contracts to batsman Gareth Harte and leg-spinner Ben Whitehead, tying the pair to the county until 2020.

Harte, who made his first-class debut against Kent in April, has signed a two-year contract extension, while Whitehead has accepted a development deal.

Harte, 25, scored 382 runs in this year’s Specsavers County Championship, including centuries against Derbyshire and Middlesex at Emirates Riverside.

Whitehead, 21, featured prominently during Durham’s Vitality Blast campaign, claiming five wickets in six matches.

Durham head coach Jon Lewis said: “We’re pleased to have extended both players’ contacts for another couple of seasons.

“I was impressed with the skills they demonstrated during this year’s campaign and both have now been given the platform to continue to develop and establish themselves as first team players.

“Gareth proved his batting potential with two impressive hundreds in the Championship and also offers us an option with the ball, which he proved by taking six wickets across all formats.

“Ben’s bowling in the Vitality Blast was impressive and he helped us secure a home quarter-final.

“He’s still young and it is now up to him to prove he can contribute across all formats.”

Leaving Chester-leStreet, however, is seam bowler Barry McCarthy, who has departed to pursue an international career with Ireland.

The 26-year-old made 20 first-class appearances since joining the club in 2015, but Ireland’s recently-awarded Test status means he is now classed as an overseas player in English cricket.

“It’s been an absolute pleasure to be part of such an amazing club for the past four years and I will certainly miss it,” McCarthy said.

“I’ve had an unbelievable experience and I would like to thank everyone at Durham for such a positive experience. This is a very special place and I have made some fantastic friends here.”