Bancroft named Durham captain

Durham have appointed Australia batsman Cameron Bancroft as their captain for this season's County Championship and domestic one-day cup sides.

Bancroft returned to action last December after a nine-month suspension for his role in the ball-tampering scandal in South Africa, and was signed by Durham as their overseas signing last August.

They have now gone one step further following the retirement of stalwart Paul Collingwood at the end of last season.

Lead high performance coach James Franklin said: "We're delighted to have Cameron with us for the season and we're confident he has the attributes to lead this exciting young Durham dressing room.

"He has invaluable experience at the top level and has enjoyed a successful spell in England before, during his time with Gloucestershire.

"He's proven since returning to first-class cricket over the last few months that he has the mental toughness, skill and attitude to excel at the highest level.

"I'm sure he will relish the challenge we have at Durham this season."

Bancroft, who has featured in the KFC BBL and JLT Sheffield Shield on his comeback, will miss Durham's championship opener at Derbyshire, which starts on April 5.

Alex Lees will therefore take the role for the fixture, with Bancroft available for the following week's game against Sussex.

Nottinghamshire have also confirmed the signing of Victorian quick James Pattinson for seven county matches.

Kent have also signed Queensland opener Matt Renshaw for the early part of the season while Peter Siddle and Shaun Marsh are due for second successive seasons at Essex and Glamorgan, respectively.