Durham sign Proteas' Markram as overseas player

South African opener Aiden Markram has been roped in by English side Durham as an overseas player for the early part of the upcoming County Championship season.

Having recently led the national side in the six-match ODI series against India in the absence of injured Faf du Plessis, the 22-year-old will join Durham ahead of the opening match of the season against Kent in April and will continue to stay on until the middle of May.

After Markram leaves, New Zealand batsman Tom Latham will take over as the overseas player.

Commenting on Markram's appointment, England legend and current Durham chairman, Ian Botham, said that the South Africa batsman would offer confidence and maturity at the top of the batting order.

"Aiden offers confidence and maturity at the top of the batting order and despite being just 23 years old, he has already been recognised by South Africa as a leader in the dressing room,"Sport24 quoted Botham as saying.

Durham will be without their star players Tom Latham, Ben Stokes and Mark Wood for the start of the season because of international commitments and the Indian Premier League (IPL).

"It's great news that we will have Aiden at the beginning of our Championship campaign, especially with Tom Latham, Ben Stokes and Mark Wood all missing due to their international and IPL commitments," Botham added.