Will Smith is returning to Durham CCC after agreeing a move back to Emirates Riverside from Hampshire.
The 34-year-old all-rounder returns to the club he left in 2013 after Durham fought off competition from a number of sides to capture his signature.
Smith previously spent seven years at the Club & played in each of the Championship-winning sides, captaining the 2009 team to glory.
Durham head coach, Jon Lewis, is delighted to have the all-rounder back at the Club.
“We’re very excited to be welcoming Will back to the Club,” Lewis said. “He is a versatile cricketer who can fill several roles in the Championship, provide experience in the middle order in limited-overs cricket & is an excellent character to have in the dressing room.
“He had various offers from other counties but was extremely keen to return to Durham & we are pleased to be welcoming him back.”
Smith joined from Nottinghamshire in 2007 & established himself as a firm favourite among the members.
In 2008 he scored 925 Division One runs, including a maiden double century against Surrey, at an average of over 50 & was subsequently being named Player of the Year.
The following year he was made captain & led Durham to the notable feat of defending their County Championship crown.
He remained an integral part of the side, showing versatility with bat & ball before moving on to Hampshire in 2013.
However, Smith has found opportunities limited this year on the south coast & makes the move back to Durham for the 2018 season.