Durham sign Scott Boland to bolster Championship and T20 Blast pace attack

The Australia international, who has taken 349 first-class wickets at 24.85 and 75 T20 wickets with an economy of 8.33, will be available until the end of July

Durham have signed Australia international Scott Boland ahead of their return to Division One in 2024.

The fast bowler will be available in both the County Championship and T20 Blast until the end of July.

Boland hit the headlines when he took 6 for 7 in the second innings of his Test debut against England at the MCG during the 2021/22 Ashes, having previously represented Australia in both white-ball formats in 2016.

The 34-year-old has since taken 35 wickets at 20.34 in 10 Test matches, helping Australia win the World Test Championship final in June 2023, and has taken 349 wickets at 24.85 across his first-class career.

In T20 cricket, he has taken a further 75 wickets with an economy of 8.33 in 62 matches, including a franchise stint with Rising Pune Supergiant during the 2016 IPL.

^{Boland hit the headlines when he took 6 for 7 against England at the MCG during the 2021/22 Ashes [Quinn Rooney/Getty Images]}

^{Boland has spent the majority of his T20 career playing in the Big Bash [Quinn Rooney/Getty Images]}

Ahead of his move to Durham, Boland said: "I'm very excited to be joining Durham for the upcoming season. After achieving promotion in 2023, I'm keen to add my skills to an already strong squad and help Durham contend for the Championship in Division One.

"I'm eager to join a strong bowling group and work alongside some new faces.

"I feel the time is right for me to play county cricket, I've always wanted to and grateful for Durham for giving me the opportunity."

Durham's director of cricket, Marcus North, added: "Scott is a huge signing for us as we look to challenge in Division One next season.

"A proven international quick bowler was something we identified to further strengthen our fast-bowling group.

"Scott is someone who we have been talking to for some time and to have secured the signature of one of the best international bowlers outside of the T20 World Cup shows Durham Cricket's intent moving into 2024."