Brathwaite, 25, made his Durham debut in their final LV= County Championship match of the season against Somerset at Emirates Durham ICG. The Loughborough and Cambridge University graduate was Dulwich College’s first cricket scholar after being identified as a talent in Barbados and has since played first class cricket for Loughborough University, Cambridge University and the MCC. He trialled with the Durham 2XI earlier in 2010 before he was asked to join up with the first eleven for the final two weeks of the season.
On joining Durham CCC Ruel Brathwaite said, “I was delighted to be offered a contract with Durham after my initial spell with them. The boys really made me feel incredibly welcome while I was there and I can’t wait to join up with them in pre season as we prepare for our 2011 campaign. I’m excited for the opportunity ahead and I’m looking forward to making my mark.”
Durham CCC Head Coach Geoff Cook said, “Ruel has a great attitude and real enthusiasm about the game which really fits well in our dressing room. We’ll be working closely with him to finalise his status as English qualified. We’re pleased that, despite offers from other counties, he decided to commit to Durham.”