Durham sign Ashton Turner as T20 Blast captain

The Perth Scorchers' Big Bash League captain will lead James Franklin's side throughout their 2022 campaign

Ashton Turner has joined Durham for their 2022 T20 Blast campaign and has been confirmed to skipper the side.

The 29-year-old led Perth Scorchers to the Big Bash League title in his maiden campaign at the helm and helped guide Western Australia to victory in the Marsh Cup, during the Australian summer.

He will be available for the entire season, including the knock-out phase, starting with the opening game against Leicestershire on May 26.

A big-hitting top-order batter with 1,888 T20 runs at a strike rate of 135.53, Turner has played nine one-day internationals and 18 T20Is for Australia.

This will be his first spell in county cricket, with his only overseas franchise appearance coming for Rajasthan Royals in the 2019 Indian Premier League.

Turner's off-spin has also brought him 24 T20 wickets with an economy rate of 7.15.

^{Turner also led Western Australia to March Cup success (Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)}

"The blast is a competition that I’ve watched with a keen interest from afar and I’m really excited to be able to take part in it this summer.

"I’m excited to achieve some success with the club and no doubt we will have some fun along the way. I look forward to meeting everyone very soon!"

Director of cricket Marcus North added: "We’re extremely pleased to welcome Ashton to Durham this summer to lead us out in the Vitality Blast.

"In addition to his powerful batting performances, Ash is a proven leader having captained the Scorchers and Western Australia to multiple championships in recent years and will be a great addition to Durham. 

"I look forward to Ashton joining up with the squad in May."

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