Durham and England fast bowler Stephen Harmison has been confirmed by Durham County Cricket Club as their beneficiary for 2013.
Harmison, who clinched the final wicket both years Durham won their LV= County Championship titles, made his first class debut in 1996 and has represented his county in over 200 first class matches and 171 limited overs games.
As a two time Ashes winner, he was first included in the England set up in 1998 and went on to make 121 international appearances, including 63 Test Matches, with his most memorable haul taking place at Sabina Park (Jamaica), where he took 7-12 in 2004. After being ranked number one bowler in the world Harmison was also named as one of the five Wisden Cricketers of the Year in 2005.
Durham CCC Chief Executive David Harker said, “Stephen has been an outstanding servant to English cricket, for Durham in particular, and everyone at the Club wishes him great success with his benefit year.”
Stephen Harmison added, “I have had some fantastic career highlights playing for Durham – winning the LV= County Championship in 2008 is something I will never forget, it was an amazing day for the club and really showed what we were made of.
” I am privileged to have had such great support from Durham CCC and our members throughout my career to date and to be named beneficiary for next year is a real honour.
”I am really looking forward to next season, getting fit and playing the game that I love and that has been so kind to me over the years.”