DURHAM have signed West Indian all-rounder Gareth Breese on a one-year contract.

As his parents are British he can be considered an EU-qualified player, but he will have to play for Jamaica this winter as an overseas player. Born in Montego Bay, he is a middle order batsman and off-spin bowler who has played in one Test against India at Chennai last October and has been the leading wicket-taker for Jamaica over the last two years.

Last season he took 28 wickets at 22.85 and scored 335 runs at an average of 37, with a highest score of 98. He has made one first-class century.

Durham were impressed with Breese when he played a number of games with the second team and topped the bowling averages with nine wickets at 11.11.

Other counties were interested in him, but he was advised by former Eppleton professional and West Indies captain Jimmy Adams to come to Durham.

Coach Martyn Moxon said: "We are delighted to have secured the services of Gareth.

"He made a favourable impression during his time with us this season and he will strengthen our squad."

* Dermot Reeve had a frank discussion with Yorkshire's players yesterday on their last official day at Headingley before they split up for the winter, writes David Warner.

Although the former Warwickshire captain, who went on to become coach at Somerset, has no official appointment as yet with Yorkshire it is almost certain that a formal announcement will be made by the club in just over a week's time. Yorkshire chief executive Colin Graves has still to finalise the details of Reeve's post, but whatever title he is given it is expected that he will play a leading role either as cricket consultant or as cricket manager.

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