Markram signs county deal with Durham

Cape Town - Proteas opener Aiden Markram has signed a deal with English side Durham for the early part of the 2018 County Championship season.

The 22-year-old Markram, who captained the Proteas in the recent ODI series against India, will join up with the county before the first game of the season against Kent in April and will stay on until the middle of May.

New Zealand batsman Tom Latham, who played for Durham in the English summer, will take over as the overseas player when Markram leaves.

England legend and current Durham chairman, Ian Botham, said: "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 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."