Keegan Petersen ends Durham spell for personal reasons

It is likely that Petersen will be back on English soil later in the summer, when South Africa travel for a three-match Test series

Keegan Petersen has ended his spell as an overseas player at Durham earlier than planned.

The South African batter has returned home for family reasons.

He made two half centuries in 11 innings for the county and won't feature later this month when Durham take on Worcestershire in what was due to be the final game of his spell.

Petersen had been due to play in seven LV= Insurance County Championship matches after joining up with Durham's squad in time for the season's second round of fixtures, having been on international duty with the Proteas beforehand.

^{Petersen made 287 runs in six matches for Durham (Stu Forster/Getty Images)}

"Our thoughts are with Keegan and his family and we fully support his decision to return back to South Africa," said Marcus North, Durham's director of cricket.

"We wish him all the best for the future and thank KP for his contributions in a Durham shirt this season."

It is likely that Petersen will be back on English soil later in the summer, when South Africa travel for a three-match Test series.