By Jon Steer
December 11 2003

Shoaib Akhter was today announced as Durham's second overseas player for the 2004 season. The first overseas spot is taken by South African opening batsman Herschelle Gibbs. Shoaib made seven championship appearences for Durham last season after signing as a replacement for Dewald Pretorius. With the world's fastest bowler and one of the world's best opening batsmen the new season promises much for Durham supporters! Shoaib took 34 wickets at an average of just over 17 in his seven championship games last season and was instrumental in destroying Somerset at the Riverside when they posted the seasons lowest total.

Shoaib's signing has been on and off since before the end of last season with money seeming to be the major sticking point. Shoaib has sid in a number of interviews that his time at Durham was very enjoyable and that the experience had boosted his fitness and performance. This sentiment has been echoed by other members of the Pakistan squad that is currently touring New Zealand.

Shoaib will be expected to use his experience of cricket at the highest levels to benefit the devlopment of younger bowlers in the squad as they fight for places in the starting eleven.

The first championship game is just over four months away when Durham take on Hampshire at the Rose Bowl on April 16th.