AUSTRALIA batsman Cameron Bancroft is to return to Durham this summer, the club has announced.

Bancroft captained Durham in both the County Championship and One Day Cup in 2019, before earning a call-up for the Australian Ashes squad – midway through the summer.

The 28-year-old was a key member of the Durham squad during his first spell with the club, having a huge impact both on and off the field.

The Western Australian cricketer led from the front scoring 726 runs at an average of 45.37 in nine County Championship matches – adding 377 runs at an average of 94.25 in the One Day Cup.

Off the field Cameron gave his time to the support the Durham Cricket Foundation on a number of community projects.

The Ashes winner will return to Durham in May 2021, following the conclusion of the Australian domestic summer and will be available for the County Championship.

Director of Cricket, Marcus North said: “We are really pleased to welcome Cameron back to Emirates Riverside this summer. He had a positive influence on and off the field during his time with us in 2019.

“Cameron is currently having a fantastic summer down under for Western Australia and we look forward to him having a big impact for Durham when he re-joins the squad in May.”