NED ECKERSLEY has been named as the new red-ball captain at Durham Cricket Club.

Eckersley, who signed a new deal last summer, keeping him at the club until 2021, joined from Leicestershire ahead of the 2019 season and has been a valuable member of the side since then.

The 30-year-old had a spell as captain last season, taking on the role following Cameron Bancroft’s selection for Australia’s Ashes squad.

Eckersley had a fine season with both bat and behind the stumps for Durham in 2019, amassing 720 runs in the County Championship with a best of 118 against Sussex at Hove in June.

Since making his first-class debut for Leicestershire in 2011, Eckersley has scored more than 6,000 first class runs, including scoring 15 centuries and 23 half centuries.

Durham’s director of cricket, Marcus North said yesterday: “We are delighted to confirm that Ned will lead the side as our new red-ball captain.”

He added: “Since Ned joined the club, he has had a huge impact both on and off the pitch.

“He has outstanding leadership qualities, and we believe he is the perfect person to lead Durham out on the field.”