England fast bowler Mark Wood has signed to a new three-year contract to stay with Durham, giving the county a big boost following their recent ECB enforced relegation to division two.
A series of explosive bowling performances fired Durham to the NatWest T20 Blast final this year, and Wood also earned a Test central contract with England.
Currently sidelined with an ankle injury, Woods said: “I’m delighted to be honest; throughout the year, I was desperate to stay.
“Three years was one of my main drivers, I wanted to not just stay for one or two, I wanted to make sure I was here to make a difference for a long period of time.
“The recent setback we have had gives us a chance to make a big impact and hopefully along with my England duties, I can push the club forward in a good light.
“I’m a North East lad from the region, I want to make a difference for this club and I’ve been here since I was 16/17 years old so I’m delighted I can stay on longer and continue my Durham journey.”
Chief executive David Harker said: “We’re very pleased to have Mark’s services once again and a three-year deal shows commitment from both parties.
“There was a great willingness from both parties to get a new deal sorted and we are delighted to have got this over the line.
“His potential is vast and we’re glad to be supporting him throughout a time when he will be reaching the prime stages of his career.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here