DURHAM have signed Australian top-order batsman Nic Maddinson to play in the County Championship and One-Day Cup.

The 30-year-old will join Durham for the entirety of the Royal London Cup campaign and this season’s remaining County Championship matches, and will fly to England once he finished playing for Australia A on their tour of Sri Lanka.

A proven run scorer in both red and white-ball cricket Maddinson has represented Australia in both Test and T20 formats, scoring a quick-fire 34 off 16 balls on his IT20 debut against India.

A regular with Victoria, he has amassed more than 6,500 first-class runs, with 15 centuries and 32 fifties, having also played for New South Wales in the Sheffield Shield. With a highest score of 224 against South Australia, he averages 40 on the first-class stage.

The left-hander has made 87 List A appearances to date, scoring 2,760 runs with a best of 137, and also captains Melbourne Renegades in the Big Bash League.

“I am really proud and excited to be joining Durham,” said Maddinson. “The opportunity to play both County Championship and one-day matches is something I am really looking forward to.

“I have been keeping a close eye on the season so far and can’t wait to get to the UK and join up with such a great club.”

Durham director of cricket, Marcus North, added: “Nic provides us with a very talented overseas signing who offers something with both bat and ball in both red and white-ball cricket.

“His record in domestic cricket back in Australia is fantastic, and we are sure he will be a great addition to the Durham squad.”