Harmison commits to Durham

Steve Harmison, who made his Durham debut in 1996, has signed a contract keeping him at the club until 2013

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Former England pace bowler Steve Harmison looks likely to end his career at Durham after signing a four-year contract.

Having been overlooked for an ECB central contract, Harmison admitted he is unlikely to play for his country again.

He has now pledged his future to his home county by agreeing a deal which will keep him at the Riverside until the end of the 2013 season.

“I have always loved playing cricket for Durham and I’m incredibly proud to represent the club and to be part of the set-up here,” said Harmison, who turned 31 last Friday.

“I’m looking forward to the next four seasons, especially 2010 as we look to win the Championship for a third year.”

Harmison, who made his Durham debut in 1996, took 51 wickets at 22.62 apiece this summer in their LV= County Championship triumph, and also played in the last two Tests of England’s victorious Ashes campaign.

However, his name was missing when the central contracts were announced last month, and he was later left out of the squad to tour South Africa this winter.

Durham head coach Geoff Cook said: “Stephen is a huge asset to our team. He has a great presence, both on the field and in the dressing room, and his commitment and dedication to the club has always been fantastic.”

Chief executive David Harker added: “Stephen is a great performer for Durham and we are absolutely delighted that he will remain a major part of the team for the foreseeable future.

“Off the field we have a number of young players benefiting from his experience and guidance and that contribution cannot be underestimated.”