FROM village green to Test arena, it has always been taken as read that fast bowlers would replace their lost fluids by supping a few pints of ale.

Durham’s Chris Rushworth has been happy to maintain the tradition, but not any longer. He has set himself the challenge of remaining teetotal for a year and hopes to raise £5,000 for charity.

“I also hope it will benefit my performances for Durham because I already feel fitter and healthier,” he said.

“I wouldn’t say I was a massive drinker, but my friends would tell you I like a beer. I watch Sunderland home and away and that always involved a few beers, but now it’s water or juice.”

The 27-year-old swing bowler’s last big drinking session came after the end of last season, when he and 21 friends, including several Durham players, went on his stag trip to Budapest.

He was married in October, a year after the birth of his son, Henry, and says: “Having a little one opened my eyes about the incredible work that Save The Children do around the world, so I want to raise money for them as well as the Professional Cricketers’ Association benevolent fund.

“I’m not expecting a lot of donations at this stage, but hope they will come in when I’m close to completing the challenge at the end of the year.

“I’ve seen a lot of people do a dry January, but I really wanted to challenge myself and so far it hasn’t been too difficult.

“It could be harder once the season starts because as a team we always like to celebrate each other’s successes. But at least I’ll have some companions because Mark Wood and Usman Arshad don’t drink.

I’ll be asking to share a room with Woody.”

Rushworth felt improved fitness helped him make the sudden transition from the fringe of the first team to frontline seamer in the middle of the 2012 season.

In nine championship games he took 38 wickets at 16.39 to finish third in the national averages, then last season he had 54 wickets at 22.25.

Now he feels even fitter and is keen to play a leading role for Durham in all formats.

Anyone wishing to donate to his chosen charities can go to justgiving.com or mydonate.bt.com and type in Rushworth’s name.