Durham sign South Africa's Aiden Markram; Tom Latham named captain for One-Day Cup

Sport360 staff 14:01 26/02/2018
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  • Durham have signed South Africa opener Aiden Markram for the beginning of the county season and appointed New Zealand batsman Tom Latham as their captain in the Royal London One-Day Cup.

    Markram has made a bright start to his international career after registering two centuries in his opening six Tests while he stood in as skipper for the Proteas in their recent one-day series against India following an injury to Faf du Plessis.

    He will bolster Durham’s batting for the first four matches of their Specsavers County Championship campaign before being replaced by fellow overseas signing Latham for the remainder of the year.

    The 25-year-old Latham, who has earned 34 Test, 70 ODI and 13 Twenty20 caps for the Black Caps, had a successful stint with Durham last year and his return had already been pencilled in, but the north-east county announced he would take the reins in the 50-over format following Keaton Jennings’ departure to Lancashire.

    Durham chairman Sir Ian Botham said: “We’re delighted to have both Aiden and Tom at Emirates Riverside this season and I am confident they will both contribute to what we hope will be a successful season.

    “Aiden offers confidence and maturity at the top of the batting order and despite being just 23 years old, he has already been recognised by South Africa as a leader in the dressing room.

    “It’s great news that we will have Aiden at the beginning of our championship campaign, especially with Tom Latham, Ben Stokes and Mark Wood all missing due to their international and IPL commitments.

    “We’re delighted to welcome Tom back to Chester-le-Street and I’m excited to see him captain the RL50; he has a wealth of international experience and brings exceptional batting, fielding and leadership skills into the dressing room.”

    Provided by Press Association Sport

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