Durham sign South Africa duo for the new season

Durham CCC have signed South African internationals Farhaan Behardien and David Bedingham for the 2020 season.

Both players have confirmed deals with the Emirates Riverside club, effectively ending their careers with South Africa to focus on their game within England.

Behardien is well known on the global stage and will bring a wealth of experience to the Durham squad, having played international cricket for South Africa since 2012 in T20 and ODI formats.

The 36-year old has agreed a two-year deal, and joins Durham on the back of four World Cups spanning from 2012 to 2016.

A middle-order batsman, Behardien has amassed 6794 first class runs, with an unbeaten 150* his highest score at first class level.

Having had 14 seasons with the Momentum Multiply Titans, he continues to score runs, and is currently the side’s top runscorer in first class cricket in the past year, tallying 591 runs.

The Johannesburg batsman brings over 15 years playing experience and leadership to the group, having captained South Africa in 2017 during their tour of Sri Lanka, and he has also played for Kings XI Punjab and Western Province.

Behardien has represented South Africa 97 times in both T20 and one-day internationals.

Director of cricket Marcus North said: “Behardien is such an experienced cricketer and with the young group of players we have in the squad he will help them develop their all-round game.

“We are delighted to have him at Durham and are excited to welcome him to Emirates Riverside come the start of the season.”

Bedingham, 25, also joins the club on a season-long deal, having played a range of first class cricket in South Africa and for his country’s Under19s.

North added: “It is great to add another young, promising batsman to the Durham squad.

“David has made the decision to move and live in the UK to pursue a career in England and we look forward to seeing him develop.”

Both players will join up with the squad on Durham’s pre-season tour in March.