Monday 23 January 2017 10:24, UK
Durham have signed South Africa opener Stephen Cook for the first half of the County Championship.
Cook - son of former Somerset opener Jimmy - will also play in the Royal London One-Day Cup before joining up with the Proteas squad ahead of the two-Test series with England.
Cook scored century in his first Test innings against England last January, the last player to achieve the feat before soon-to-be Durham team-mate Keaton Jennings, who did the same against India.
Head coach Jon Lewis said: "We have been looking to add quality to the squad but also the right character to fit into the dressing room, and we have found someone who has both of those assets in Steve.
"Our conversations have been very promising and he comes to us with a fine reputation, built not only through his short international career so far but throughout an excellent first-class record over many years in South Africa and we are looking forward to welcoming him into the changing room."
Cook said: "Ever since I was a young boy, watching my dad play for Somerset, I always dreamed of one day playing county cricket.
"Now in linking up with Durham CCC I am getting to live out that dream. I am very excited to be joining up with the team and endeavour to contribute to Durham victories."
His career first-class average also stands at an impressive 41.25 with no fewer than 40 centuries.
