Marcus North signs as Durham's 4th overseas player

By Jon Steer
March 24 2004

Australian batsmen Marcus North, a regular in the North East Premier league, has signed for Durham as cover for Herschelle Gibbs throughout the 2004 season. He will stand in for the South African opener at the start of the season and in August when Gibbs will be in Sri Lanka.

Durham have signed yet another player, and another overseas player at that to add to the current overseas contingent of Herschelle Gibbs, Shoaib Akhtar and Reon King.

Jon Lewis has said that Durham have opted to sign additional overseas players to provide "some form of continuity throughout the season".

Australian left handed batsmen, Marcus North will be acting as cover for Gibbs when he is away on international duties. Reon King will be acting as cover for Shoaib Akhtar.

Marcus has scored over 1000 runs in his recent season with Western Australia at an average of over 56. A performance which saw him become the fifth highest run scorer in the Australian league. He also bowls useful offspin and has a reputation as a very sharp fielder.

Marcus has played cricket in the North East for a number of years at premier league level and with his wife being from the area admits that it has become a second home for him.

The signing of a further overseas player underlines Durham's committment to getting promotion which could be all important as the various governing bodies debate whether or not to reduce the number of first class teams. With the squad that has been built up over the past few years this must be our best chance...