Durham Cricket are pleased to announce that Scott Borthwick has been awarded a testimonial year in 2026.
The 35-year-old top-order batter made his first-class debut for Durham in 2009 and has gone on to represent the Club 162 times in red ball cricket across 13 seasons in the North East.
Sunderland-born Borthwick has compiled over 8,000 runs with 15 centuries in first-class cricket for Durham and is the Club’s third highest run scorer in the format behind only Dale Benkenstein and Paul Collingwood.
After initially coming into the side for his leg-spin, Borthwick was promoted to bat at three in 2013 and top scored for Durham in their third victorious County Championship campaign, delivering the first of four consecutive 1,000+ run seasons.
A leader on and off the field, Borthwick returned to Durham from Surrey as Club Captain in 2021, going on to guide his hometown club to the County Championship Division Two title in 2023.
After stepping down as captain in December 2024, Borthwick has moved into a player-coach role playing an integral part in the development of players in the professional teams, academy and pathway squads.
The left-hander’s finest knock for Durham came in a draw with Middlesex in Chester-le-Street in 2014 scoring a mammoth 216, whilst his most recent first-class century came in Durham’s title clinching draw with Worcestershire at New Road in 2023.
Borthwick has made 198 white ball appearances for the Club to date scoring 2,429 limited overs runs to go with his 144 wickets in the shorter formats.
The Durham Academy graduate has represented England across all three formats making his international debut against Ireland in August 2011.
On being awarded his testimonial, Borthwick said: “I’m incredibly proud and very humbled to have been awarded a testimonial Year by Durham.
“This club has been a huge part of my life since I was 11, it’s where I learned my game and I have been part of some amazing times.`
“I’ve had fantastic support over the years and I’m really grateful for the opportunities Durham has given me. To be recognised like this means a great deal, and I want to thank the club for making it possible.
“I’m really looking forward to celebrating this next year and sharing the occasion with everyone connected to the club.”
Speaking of Borthwick being awarded a Testimonial Year, Durham Cricket Chair, Phil Collins, said: “We are delighted to announce that Scott Borthwick has been awarded a Testimonial Year.
“To award a player a Testimonial is a rare event and extremely special. This recognises Scott’s loyalty and commitment, and acknowledges the effort he has given to the County for many years.
“Scott continues to be a fantastic role model for Durham Cricket; his passion and enthusiasm for what we are about as a Club is still clear to see and is something that everyone throughout the Club benefits from.
“We are delighted that he has chosen to help coach our younger players and pass on that enthusiasm and knowledge. Hes not known as “Badger” for nothing!
“It gives us all an enormous amount of pleasure to reward Scott with a Testimonial Year in 2026 and we look forward to supporting him over the coming year.”
“We wish him every success in what should be an exciting 12 months.”