Durham Cricket Club announce return of Surrey star Scott Borthwick

Ex-Durham academy star Borthwick will return to the club for the 2021 season on a new long-term deal after Surrey agreed to release Borthwick so that he could return to his hometown club.

Borthwick, who joined Surrey in 2017, enjoyed a successful spell in the capital, cementing his place as an opening batsman and spin bowler, and winning the County Championship in 2017.

Durham Cricket, director of cricket, Marcus North said: “This is a big signing for us and shows our intent to take this club forward.

"Scott brings with him a wealth of experience across all three formats and provides us with options at the top of the batting order and as a spinner, which are both areas we need to strengthen.”

Borthwick said: “I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at Surrey, and I’d like to say a big thank you to all of the players, staff and members who supported me during my time there.

“Durham is really close to my heart, it is a club which I have come through the ranks from Under 9s right through to the academy, so to get the opportunity and chance to represent Durham again was something which really excited me, and I can’t wait.

“Some of my proudest moments as a cricketer are winning games for Durham and I am desperate to do that again.

"I know I am 30 now but I still feel young at heart, but I am fit and still feel like my cricket has lots to offer and have some of the best years ahead of me, with both bat and ball. So now is a really good time to come back.”

It has been confirmed that Borthwick will finish the 2020 season with Surrey before joining Durham ahead of pre- season training this winter.

Borthwick was a member of the Durham squad that achieved unprecedented success, winning three County Championships and the one-day trophy in 2014. He has also represented England on four occasions across all three formats of the game.