:salam:
Pakistani Test star Shoaib Akhtar is to return to Durham for the 2004 season.
Shoaib, the fastest bowler in world cricket, and South African batsman Herschelle Gibbs will fill the club’s two overseas vacancies.
“We are expecting great performances from Shoaib and Herschelle,” said captain Jon Lewis, who will lead the team for the fourth season.
“They will also play an important part in the development of our young talented players”.
Shoaib took 34 wickets in seven Championship appearances during the 2003 season after joining the club as a replacement for South African Dewald Pretorius.
He has played 28 Tests and 95 one-day internationals and is currently on tour with Pakistan in New Zealand.
"The prospect of Shoaib Akhtar and Stephen Harmison pairing up with the new ball is certainly mouth-watering.
“I expect opening batsmen around the country will not fancy the Durham fixture next year,” said club chairman Bob Jackson.
Durham will begin their Championship Division Two campaign with an away game against Hampshire at The Rose Bowl on 16 April.
as i missed the opportunity last time around, this time me gonna grab my chance with both hands.