Durham fights back with Rimington deal

Durham have signed the experienced Australian pace bowler. Nathan Rimington He will feature across all three formats as the club looks to recover from the departures of a number of players.

Rimington, who made a name for himself as a T20 death bowler with Melbourne Renegades in last year’s Australian Big Bash League, will be well past his 35th birthday when he signs for Durham, on a contract that will run until at least the end of the 2019 season.

He brings a wealth of limited-overs and red-ball experience and provides an additional striker option in the Specsavers County Championship, but his first-class average of just over 30 suggests he is unlikely to provide a miracle cure for a county relegated to Division Two after financial irregularities last year.

“It’s really encouraging to see Durham achieving great results and I feel I have a lot to contribute in terms of experience and leadership. I’ve always enjoyed playing in the UK and I believe the environment at Emirates Riverside will suit me,” said Rimington.

Durham chairman Sir Ian Botham was resolute and inspired as his side fought back after losing Mark Stoneman, Scott Borthwick, Keaton Jennings and Graham Onions.

“I am delighted that Nathan has chosen to play his cricket for Durham over the next few years. There were a number of clubs interested in signing him,” Botham said. “Many have watched him in both the IPL and BBL and will know the quality and experience he will bring to our team.”

However, while Botham claims his connections are invaluable in securing new players for Durham, that claim is not backed up by financial clout because the club operates under strict financial constraints, some of which are required by the European Central Bank, and the addition of Rimington, a valuable and relatively settled player, speaks volumes about the level of their ambition.

David Hopps is Editor at Large at ESPNcricinfo @davidkhopps