Durham go seven-up as players sign new deals – but four depart

Durham have confirmed that signed new rookie deals. seven players have commitFollowing the return of ted their futures to the club by Scott Borthwick, the signagreeing new deals ahead of ings ensure four of Durham’s the 2021 cricket season. key bowlers from last term

Chris Rushworth, Brydon have extended deals beyond Carse, Alex Lees, Matthew next season. The contract exPotts, Gareth Harte, David tensions of key batsmen Alex Bedingham and Matt SalisLees, David Bedingham and bury have all put pen to paper Gareth Harte, alongside the on new contracts at the Emirreturn of Borthwick, further ates Riverside. strengthen Durham’s batting

Michael Jones, Jack Campline-up for the 2021 season. b e l l a n d O l i G i b s o n h ave However, four members of the playing staff have left the club after their contracts expired.

Nath a n R i m m i n g to n joined the club in 2018, featuring across all three formats in his three-year spell in the North East. His white ball record saw him named T20 captain for 2020, and he was an important member of Durham’s red ball squad in 2019.

Scott Steel will leave the club, having declined a contract extension, while Josh Coughlin and Sol Bell will also depart Durham.

Marcus North, director of cricket, said: “As a club we are very happy that this group of players have committed their future to Durham Cricket.

"We have been working extremely hard over the past 18 months in developing a squad that will ultimately see consistent performances that enable us to compete and have success in all competitions.

“We feel that this commitment from these players, following the announcement of Scott Borthwick’s return, is another big step in achieving our objectives.

“It i s ex tre m e l y d i s ap - pointing that Scott Steel has d e c i d e d to m ove o n f ro m Durham. Following our offer to extend Scott’s contract at Durham, we could not offer the guarantees he was ultimately looking for, and this has resulted in him accepting a three-year contract with another county. We wish Scott all the best for his future career.

“We would also like to wish Nathan Rimmington, Josh Coughlin, Sol Bell, Ben Whitehead and James Weighell the very best for their future careers and thank them for their commitment to Durham over the years.”