New Zealand international and opening batsman Tom Latham will lead Durham Jets in this season’s Vitality Blast.
The left-hander led Durham in the Royal London One-Day Cup this season and has been appointed by Jon Lewis to captain the side in the T20 format.
Latham has also captained his country in the absence of Kane Williamson and proved a big boost to the 20-over side when returning from injury last season.
The 26-year-old added 139 runs from just five matches at the top of the order, including a top score of 62 against Worcestershire Rapids.
His first match in charge will be against Yorkshire Vikings at Emerald Headingley on Thursday 5 July, with the first game at Emirates Riverside coming against the same opposition on Friday 13 July.
“I’m excited to lead the side again in the Vitality Blast. I feel like we’re improving as a unit all the time and the experience of captaining in the recent One-Day competition will only help,” Latham said.
“We have to be ambitious & get on a roll from the start. With the fixtures coming thick and fast, getting into form early on will give us a great chance of reaching the knockout stages.
“We’re looking forward to getting in front of our home supporters after two games on the road to start. The atmosphere when we beat Yorkshire last year was as good as I’ve played in.”