Harmison handed benefit year

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Durham have awarded Steve Harmison a benefit year in 2013.

The former England fast bowler, who clinched the final wicket both years Durham won the LV= County Championship, made his first-class debut in 1996 and has gone on to represent his county in over 200 first-class matches and 171 limited-overs games.

Steve Harmison's 16-year association with Durham is set to be rewarded with a benefit year for the fast bowler in 2013

He won his first England cap in 2002 and went on to make 121 international appearances, including 63 Test Matches, with his most memorable moment a devastating spell of 7-12 against the West Indies at Sabina Park in 2004.

After being ranked the world’s number one bowler Harmison was also named as one of the five Wisden Cricketers of the Year in 2005, and was a key component of England’s 2005 and 2009 Ashes-winning sides.

Durham chief executive David Harker said: "Stephen has been an outstanding servant to English cricket, for Durham in particular, and everyone at the club wishes him great success with his benefit year."

Harmison added: "I have had some fantastic career highlights playing for Durham - winning the LV= County Championship in 2008 is something I will never forget. It was an amazing day for the club and really showed what we were made of.

"I am privileged to have had such great support from Durham CCC and our members throughout my career to date and to be named beneficiary for next year is a real honour.

"I am really looking forward to next season, getting fit and playing the game that I love and that has been so kind to me over the years."

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