DURHAM yesterday confirmed that South African paceman Dewald Pretorius will be their second overseas player next season.

Having already retained Queensland batsman Martin Love, they moved quickly to secure Pretorius, who has played in one Test, against Australia at Cape Town in March.

"The Australians are head and shoulders above the rest and the Test didn't go very well for me," he said.

"If I bowl well at home this winter I could get back into the Test squad and South Africa are touring England next summer.

"But that's still a long way off and I'm really delighted to accept Durham's offer. Because of the World Cup our season finishes in January, so I should be able to get over here nice and early."

Pretorius, 24, has been timed at 92mph, compared with the 89mph Stephen Harmison clocked on his Test debut.

"I like to bowl quick, but sometimes I take a bit of pace off the ball if it helps me to swing it," he said. "I have taken 54 wickets for the South Northumberland club this summer and really like the area. The people are very friendly and the only thing I would change is the weather."

It was revealed in The Northern Echo that Durham were leaning towards Pretorius after he took four for five, including a hat-trick, for them against Scotland at the Chester-le-Street club ground. He had also been to a couple of nets and played in a second team game.

Durham are also believed to have sounded out Love's Queensland teammate Ashley Noffke, who is currently playing for Middlesex, but he wanted too much money.

Pretorius, who plays for Free State, added: "I've seen bits of some county matches and it's obvious Durham are a young team lacking experience.

"You have to be patient with a young squad and I hope to be part of the maturing process. I have spoken to Allan Donald and Jimmy Adams about county cricket and they say there's not a big difference in standard from our domestic cricket. The only difference is the conditions."

Durham were one of two counties to vote against two overseas players, but decided they would have to sign a second one if they are to become competitive again after the disappointments of this season.

Read more about Durham here.