DURHAM have announced the signing of Australian left-arm quick Ben Dwarshuis for this summer’s Vitality Blast.

Dwarshuis joins Durham as a replacement for Scott Boland and heads to the North East on the back of a successful campaign with Sydney Sixers.

The left armer was the Sixers leading wicket taker in the most recent edition of the Big Bash League with 17 scalps including a match-winning 5/21 against Brisbane heat – winning the Sixers player of the season award.

The 29-year-old has enjoyed BBL trophy success in recent years, clinching back-to-back titles in 2020 and 2021, as he was the Sixers leading wicket taker with 24 poles in the latter.

He has also impressed on the international stage playing in three IT20 fixtures for Australia having made his debut against Pakistan in 2022, while he was also part of the Kings XI Punjab squad for the 2018 Indian Premier League.

The 6ft3 seamer previously played for Worcestershire Rapids during their 2021 Vitality Blast campaign, picking up 15 wickets which saw him claim a best of 4/31 against Yorkshire Vikings.

Marcus North, director of cricket, said: “We are thrilled to have recruited Ben for our T20 Blast season. With the loss of Scott Boland and the T20 Word Cup being played through the tournament it was important we found the right cricketer who can play a key role for us this season.

“Ben has a terrific record with the Sydney Sixers and is constantly up there as one of the top wicket takers in the BBL, his white ball cricket skills are a very good and we are pleased to have him on board.

“The left-arm option gives a variety to an already strong bowling attack and he can also contribute with the bat.”

Meanwhile, after a week off from red ball cricket, Durham return to Vitality County Championship action tomorrow when they travel to Southampton to face Hampshire.

Following a washout against tomorrow’s opponents in round one, Campbell’s side head to the Utlita Bowl on the back of a draw against Essex in Chester le Street.

Campbell has made one change to the 14 listed against Essex, with Daniel Hogg omitted.

Peter Siddle is in contention to make his Durham first-class debut, having missed out against Essex in order to get his work load up to pace ahead of a busy red ball schedule.

Hampshire have started the season with three draws and one defeat and sit second bottom in the Division One table with 31 points, while Durham are mid table sitting in 5th spot on 50 points.

Squad v Hampshire (10-13 May)

Colin Ackerman, David Bedingham, Scott Borthwick*, Brydon Carse, Graham Clark, Paul Coughlin, Michael Jones, Alex Lees (vc), Callum Parkinson, Matthew Potts, Ben Raine, Ollie Robinson+, Peter Siddle