Durham fail in Hughes move

Durham’s search for a second overseas player is continuing after their bid to sign Australian rising star Phillip Hughes fell through.

Last year’s LV County Champions are on the lookout for a batsman to fill in for West Indian Shivnarine Chanderpaul, who will be unavailable until late June due to international commitments.

Last week Durham coach Geoff Cook admitted that 20-year-old left-handed opener Hughes, who has caught the eye with a string of impressive displays for New South Wales this season, was included on a shortlist drawn up by the club.

But chief executive David Harker revealed today that he believes the Australia A international, who averages 53 in first-class cricket, will reject joining Durham in favour of a move elsewhere.

Harker said: “We had an interest in Phillip Hughes but we understand that he is more likely to be joining another county.

Phillip Hughes has risen to prominence on the back of his superb form for New South Wales

“He was of great interest to us but we understand that he is going to another county so we are re-visiting our options.”

Younis Khan has also been linked to the Riverside and, while Harker claimed no contact had been made with the Pakistan batsman, he admitted he was among the names being considered by the Durham hierarchy.

“We need a batsman who is at the top of his game and a proven performer in these conditions, but those type of guys are invariably involved in their international set-ups and therefore there’s not many of that class about,” Harker added.

“Either that or we could go for a younger guy that is in form and hungry.

“We haven’t set up negotiations with anyone else but we have an idea of who we want.

“It’s in everyone’s interests to sort out something sooner rather than later, but there is not many people in that position.

“If we don’t find one then we will have to make do with what we have until Shiv (Chanderpaul) is available to us."

Harker revealed that the club may decide to sign a specialist overseas Twenty20 player as well as Chanderpaul’s replacement.