Eckersley Durham’s new red ball captain
Durham Cricket have announced that Ned Eckersley has been named as the club's new red-ball captain.
Eckersley, who signed a new deal last summer, keeping him at the club until 2021 joined from Leicestershire ahead of the 2019 season and hasbeenavaluablememberof the side since joining.
The 30-year-old had a spell as captain last season, taking on the role following Cameron Bancroft’s selection for the Ashes squad.
Eckersley had a fine season with both bat and behind the stumps for Durham in 2019, amassing720runsintheCounty Championship with a best of 118 against Sussex at Hove inJune.Sincemakinghisfirstclass debut for Leicestershire in 2011, Eckersley has scored over 6000 first class runs, including scoring 15 centuries and 23 half centuries.
DirectorofCricket,Marcus North said: “We are delighted to confirm that Ned will lead the side as our new red-ball captain.
“Since Ned joined the club, he has had a huge impact both onandoffthepitch.Hehasoutstanding leadership qualities, andwebelieveheistheperfect person to lead Durham.”
*Jon Rahm is targeting a lengthy spell as world number one. Rahm replaced Rory McIlroy at the top of the rankings following his victory in the Memorial Tournament, the 25-year-old becoming just the second Spanish player after Seve Ballesteros to achieve the feat.
“It’s an honour (to be number one),” Rahm said.
“At the same time, getting here is great and I’ve played great golf the last few years but I can only help to think that I need to keep playing that good orbettertohopefullystayhere for a long time.”