Chris Rushworth opens up on the season ahead and why there's a 'different feel' about Durham Cricket this season

In it was Steve Harmison, Graham Onions, Simon Brown, Neil Killeen, Chris Rushworth and almost 2000 wickets for the club.

For Rushworth, it's a quite remarkable thought that by the end of this season, he could be on top of that list.

Last season's truncated campaign saw him pass 500 first-class wickets and Onions, who currently has the most wickets for the club, is next in his sights.

For a bowler who was initially released by the club before returning to begin a long and proud career, it would be some moment.

"Those records aren’t too far away so you want to get those ticked off as quickly as possible and just concentrate on winning games for Durham," he says.

"It would be almost unbelievable really, from where I’ve come from.

"It would be a very proud moment, I’ve never made a secret of the fact that I’m really proud of the second chance I’ve been given, I’ve loved every minute of it.

"The fact that I’m as close as I am, it’s remarkable and there would be a huge sense of pride, no doubt."

When Durham kick off their season at Trent Bridge on Thursday it will be first-class game number 132 for Rushworth.

The seamer is realistic about where he is in his career; conscious through pre-season that there are only so many overs left in the belt and eager to use them when it really counts.

All the same, there are no signs of slowing down.

Lockdowns over the past year have allowed for some extra attention on conditioning work and for any fast-medium bowler, you don't have to look too far for inspiration.

After all, this is the winter that Jimmy Anderson took a six-fer in Galle, and bowled out India on a day five pitch in Chennai.

There is much to be said for experience and understanding your own game.

"Without doubt," Rushworth says.

"You look at someone like Jimmy, he’s someone who seems to be getting fitter and fitter with every season. He looks well, gets his overs in, his pace is still up and he’s still taking wickets in international cricket.

"There’s no reason why someone like me can’t keep going for a while yet in county cricket.

"I’m feeling fit, we’ve worked really hard over the winter with our strength and conditioning lads.

"A lot of work in the gym and on the running track, so I’m just raring to go."

The familiar anticipation for a new campaign is heightened in the north east.

Durham's squad has been bolstered by the return of Scott Borthwick and a new format for red-ball cricket presents opportunity.

Durham have been handed a tough group for the opening round of the County Championship/Bob Willis Trophy, but equally there is equal opportunity for every team.

Rushworth is a red-ball traditionalist (with his record, why wouldn't you be?) but the incentives this time around are clear.

"I think everyone is pretty excited, to be honest," he says.

"Last year was a strange one with how it worked but there was obviously such a small amount of games.

"This year I think, from a playing point of view, the fact that we are starting out with an equal opportunity to win that top prize is really exciting.

"I am looking forward to it.

"I’m a bit of a traditionalist when it comes to county cricket and red-ball cricket, I like the way it’s always been done, the two divisions, but selfishly the idea of being able to win the top prize, you can’t really look past that.

"If you can win a few games early on, it can make a big difference.

"We know [it’s a challenge], you’ve got the likes of Essex who have won two Championships recently. It’s a strong team but I’d like to think we can be as strong.

"You want to play against the best teams to test yourselves and as a group we’re really looking forward to that.

"With our squad this year, I think we’ve always had the depth in the bowlers, albeit we might not have kept everyone fit," he adds.

"We don’t have that problem at the minute which is exciting.

"With the batting, bringing Scott back is absolutely massive for me. I think it shows huge intent from us as a club with the experience and history of making runs that he has at this ground.

"Just to have him back in the dressing room is massive.

"Watching the lads bat in our two friendlies, it’s just a nice feeling seeing Scott going in at three.

"As a bowler I think you just feel a lot more relaxed watching us.

"Adding in the overseas players as well, the batting looks strong."

It has been a long road back from the club's enforced relegation and while Rushworth feels the door was closed on that a while ago, there is undoubtedly a different feel ahead of the upcoming season.

"I think to be honest the door on all that got closed a few years ago, and we've built up to where we are now," he says.

"This year is exciting because the last couple of years, the results haven't been great but we've slowly improved.

"We've got a good squad together, we've got a settled coaching staff, everyone knows their roles a lot more.

"It is exciting, it's been a while since the club has had this feel."