Cricket

Durham Cricket has secured a significant signing ahead of their inaugural season as a Tier 1 women's team in 2025. Former England international and highly regarded head coach Dani Hazell has returned to Chester-le-Street on a three-year deal.Hazell, who represented England in 141 matches between 2009 and 2018, including two World Cups and three Ashes victories, will continue her role as head coach of the Northern Superchargers while leading Durham's women's team.Having started her playing career at Durham's academy, Hazell was a natural target for the club as they aim to establish themselves as a leading force in women's cricket in the north of England. Her appointment could potentially entice other Leeds-based Northern Diamonds players to join Durham, rather than waiting for Yorkshire to achieve Tier 1 status in 2026."It was evident from the outset that Dani was the ideal person to guide Durham into this new chapter and establish a legacy as a professional women's team," said Marcus North, Durham's director of cricket. "Her intimate knowledge of the club, having played for us and contributed to our women's and girls' pathway, is invaluable.""Dani's reputation as a successful head coach with the Northern Diamonds and Northern Superchargers is well-established. Her winning mentality as both a player and coach is a valuable asset for Durham. I am eager to collaborate with her as we embark on this exciting chapter for Durham Cricket."Hazell, 36, took over as Northern Diamonds' head coach in 2019, leading the team to victory in the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy in 2022. Under her guidance, the Northern Superchargers reached the final of the women's Hundred in 2023. She has also played a pivotal role in developing the Diamonds academy."I am thrilled to accept the position of head coach," said Hazell. "This is a transformative chapter for Durham Cricket and the entire region, and I am honored to be a part of this historic era for the club.""I share the club's aspirations and standards for continuous growth and progress, particularly at this pivotal moment for women's and girls' cricket. After our initial discussions, I recognized that this was the right opportunity for me to return to my home club, and I am eager to embrace the challenges ahead."Tim Bostock, Durham's chief executive, added: "We are delighted that Dani has agreed to lead our women's team. Her global expertise in the game is crucial, but her familiarity with Durham cricket is equally important. We believe she is the ideal fit for Durham Cricket."

Ben Dwarshuis, the Australian left-arm fast bowler, has joined Durham for the upcoming Vitality Blast tournament. The 31-year-old replaces Scott Boland, who was ruled out for the season due to plantar fasciitis.Dwarshuis comes to Durham after a successful Big Bash League campaign with the Sydney Sixers, where he was the leading bowler and player of the season. He claimed 17 wickets, including a match-winning 5 for 21 against the Brisbane Heat. Dwarshuis also played a key role in the Sixers' back-to-back titles in 2020 and 2021, taking 24 wickets in the latter campaign.At the international level, Dwarshuis has represented Australia in three T20Is, claiming five wickets at an average of 22.40. He has also featured for Kings XI Punjab in the Indian Premier League and Worcestershire in the Vitality Blast."I am very much looking forward to joining Durham Cricket for the upcoming 2024 Vitality Blast season," said Dwarshuis. "It will also be a great opportunity to play in front of the passionate Durham fans at the Seat Unique Riverside."Durham's Director of Cricket, Marcus North, expressed his excitement about Dwarshuis' signing. "We are thrilled to have recruited Ben for our T20 Blast season," said North. "With the loss of Scott Boland and the T20 World Cup being played through the tournament, it was important we found the right cricketer who can play a key role for us this season.""Ben has a terrific record with the Sydney Sixers and is constantly up there as one of the top wicket takers in the BBL," added North. "His white-ball cricket skills are very good, and we are pleased to have him on board."Dwarshuis' left-arm option adds variety to Durham's already strong bowling attack. He is also a capable batsman, which gives the team additional depth.