Taylor, the explosive 25 year old batsman, who has represented New Zealand in 25 international Twenty20 fixtures, will join up with the Durham squad ahead of their first fixture against Lancashire Lightning on Friday 4 June at County Ground, Riverside.
Most recently Taylor hit a record 81 ball century in a Test Match for New Zealand against Australia and a thirty ball 80, including eight massive sixes, to secure a win for Central Districts in the domestic New Zealand Twenty20 title, securing the team’s place in the Champions League competition. Taylor is also a major performer in the IPL with his team, the Royal Challengers, reaching the final of the competition last year.
Morkel, who returns for his second stint with the county after helping the side reach the Twenty20 Cup finals day in 2008, has also gained experience in the IPL with Chennai Super Kings, will be warmly welcomed back to Riverside.
On signing his contract, Ross Taylor, said, “I’m really pleased to be part of Durham’sTwenty20 campaign, after their recent success in the Championship I want to be a major contributor in the team that replicates that in Twenty20 cricket. I’m excited about coming over and playing in front of a passionate North East crowd. The feedback I’ve had about the club and its supporters has been extremely positive and I can’t wait to join up with the Men in Black and start getting some results on the field.”
On his return to Riverside Albie Morkel, said “I was eager to take up the opportunity to come back to Riverside after my first stint there in 2008. It’s a great club to be a part of, there is a lot of ambition and team spirit in the dressing room and I’m looking forward to joining back up with the team.”
Durham County Cricket Club Chief Executive, David Harker, said: “Ross has been at the top of our wish list for some time and to finally have him joining us is fantastic. We’re always keen to ensure that we try and sign the right sort of player, taking into account their proven quality, availability and whether they will fit into the team culture here at Riverside and Ross definitely meets all our requirements – we’re delighted to have him on board.
“Albie is a proven performer, especially in this format, and we’re pleased to be welcoming him back to the North East. His experience in the shorter format of the game will be of real benefit to the side as we look to secure our place at Finals Day. To be able to bring two players of this standard into the team adds more depth into our already talented squad and the support of our main Twenty20 partner, Emirates, has been integral to achieving this.”
Both players will be representing their respective countries in the ICC World T20 in the West Indies before arriving at Riverside in time for the start of the domestic Friends Provident t20 competittion.
Buy your tickets now to support Ross and Albie as they pad up for the Men in Black – season tickets for all eight Friends Provident t20 home fixtures are now available, priced at £70 for adults and £25 for juniors. Visit www.durhamccc.co.uk or contact the Box Office on 0844 499 4466 for more details.