Mountaineers net Mustard

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Durham wicketkeeper-batsman Phil Mustard has joined a number of county players in Zimbabwe after signing for the Mountaineers

Durham wicketkeeper-batsman Phil Mustard has signed a five-week deal with Zimbabwean side Mountaineers, based in Harare.

The 29-year-old, who topped the Dynamos' Friends Life t20 averages last season, will link up with his new outfit this week ahead of the domestic Stanbic Bank 20 series, which starts on November 25.

Mustard, who will also enhance his coaching skills by working with the youth and senior sides at the club, said: “I’m looking forward to joining up with the Mountaineers, I think my experience in Twenty20 cricket has come on a lot and I wanted to make sure that I kept my eye in over the winter.

“This opportunity allows me to play cricket but also lets me take on some more responsibility in a coaching capacity.”

Head coach Geoff Cook added: “It’s great to see Phil taking the initiative and organising this trip as a means of continuing his personal development as well as getting some time out in the middle.”

Mustard joins Yorkshire batsman Gary Ballance, Lancashire opener Paul Horton and Hampshire all-rounder Liam Dawson in plying his trade in Zimbabwe over the winter.