Durham new boy Jimmy Maher is ready to hit the ground running when he arrives at the Riverside for the final month of the season.

The 31-year-old Queensland captain, who is replacing his compatriot Michael Hussey, is determined to replicate the prolific form that earned him 26 one-day international caps for Australia between 1998 and 2003.

Maher, who will make his debut in tomorrow's game with Derbyshire, joins Durham after completing one of the most consistent seasons of his career in state cricket during the winter.

The attractive left-hander was an ever present in both domestic competitions.

In the four-day Pura Cup, he clocked up 841 runs at 40.04, with two 100s and four 50s, and in the one-day ING Cup he plundered 490 runs at 44.54.

With two successful stints of county cricket with Glamorgan in 2001 and 2003 behind him, Maher is ready to light up the Durham dressing room and help his new team-mates to secure promotion and lift some silverware in the second divisions of both the County Championship and the totesport League.

"I have been keeping a close eye on Durham's progress on the internet and its pleasing to see the team sitting on top of the second division of the County Championship and in third place in the totesport League," Maher said.

"I have been in pre-season training with Queensland for the past three months so I am fit and raring to go.

"The fact that I will only be at Riverside for a month doesn't put any extra pressure on me because I am confident of scoring a lot of runs.

"There is pressure on all of the Durham players to push on in the final weeks of the season but I am sure we can secure promotion and win a trophy."

Maher, who is also a part-time wicket keeper, represented Australia in the 2003 World Cup, and has successfully captained Australia A.

He will join forces with his compatriot Brad Williams as Durham's two overseas players until the end of the season.

"I want to do my best for Durham both on and off the field," Maher said.

"My experience of playing at the top level with Australia is one of my strengths but it's my batting that is the most important aspect.

"Hopefully my runs will do the talking and if I can help any of the young Durham players that would be a bonus.

"If everyone continues to work hard it will be an exciting finish to the season."

With his international career seemingly over, Maher is ready to commit his services to Durham for a full season of county cricket in 2006 - if he is wanted.

"I agree with David Boon that Durham have a very promising future," Maher said.

"I don't know the players that well but Paul Collingwood is a world-class performer and the young players have the potential to win the First Division of the County Championship in the coming years.

"The infrastructure and the facilities are all in place to ensure that success."

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