Durham Cricket is pleased to announce that Cameron Bancroft has been appointed as the Club’s new Specsavers County Championship and Royal London One-Day Cup captain, following Paul Collingwood’s retirement at the end of the 2018 season.
Bancroft has joined the Ds for the 2019 campaign as the club’s overseas signing and his international and franchise experience has been identified by Coach, James Franklin and Director of Cricket, Marcus North as perfect credentials to captain the side.
The 26-year-old international has featured in eight Test matches and opened the batting against England in the 2017 Ashes; he has also represented Australia at T20 level and is a key member of the Perth Scorchers in the Big Bash.
Durham Cricket, Lead High Performance Coach, James Franklin, said: “We’re delighted to have Cameron with us for the season and we’re confident he has the attributes to lead this exciting young Durham dressing room.
“He has invaluable experience at the top level and has enjoyed a successful spell in England before, during his time with Gloucestershire.
“He’s proven since returning to first-class cricket over the last few months that he has the mental toughness, skill and attitude to excel at the highest level and I’m sure he will relish the challenge we have at Durham this season.”
Unfortunately, Bancroft will not be available until Durham’s second Specsavers County Championship fixture against Sussex at Emirates Riverside starting on Thursday, 11 April.
In his absence, Alex Lees will captain the side for their Durham University MCCU fixture starting this Tuesday (March 26) and the Championship opener away at Derbyshire (April 5).