Durham reveal signing of New Zealand batsman Will Young

The right-hand batsman recently made his Black Caps test debut at home against West Indies where he scored 43 in his second match.

The 28-year-old, an established top order batsman at domestic level, will arrive in the North East ahead of Durham’s County Championship match against Essex at the Cloudfm County Ground on Thursday 15 April.

He will be available for three games ahead of Cameron Bancroft’s arrival in May.

Young said: “I’m happy to say I’ve signed with them and I’ll be heading over at the conclusion of this season to join Durham up in the cold and play three first-class games for them, which will be an awesome opportunity to get over to England and be exposed to those conditions and face the new Duke ball.

“It will be a fun opportunity to meet a new bunch of guys and experience county cricket, which is something I’ve always wanted to do.”

Director of Cricket Marcus North said: “We’re delighted to have secured the signing of Will Young for the early part of the season.

“In the absence of Cameron Bancroft, Will will add further strength to our batting line up, along with a wealth of experience. He is in a great place with his cricket having just broken into the Test and One Day sides with New Zealand.

“We look forward to welcoming Will to Durham in a few weeks’ time.”