Pacer Varun Aaron to play for Durham

London: Rising Indian pacer Varun Aaron has signed up with the Durham Cricket Club in the ongoing County season, replacing Australian all-rounder John Hastings, who would be playing for Chennai Super Kings in this month’s Champions League Twenty20 in India.“Durham CCC is delighted to announce that Varun Aaron will join the club as an overseas player for the final few weeks of the season,” the county said in a statement.

 

“The Indian International is set to replace John Hastings, who has been called up to represent Chennai Super Kings in the Champions League Twenty20 competition.”

Aaron will be available for the final two LV County Championship games against Northamptonshire and Warwickshire. Aaron had been impressive during the recent Test series against England, taking five wickets in the final two matches. He has won three Test caps since making his debut in 2011 and has made eight one-day international appearances for India.

 

Aaron is currently in the middle of a 10-day fast bowling training programme under the guidance of Glenn McGrath, but will fly to England next week to link up with his new teammates in time for the clash with Northamptonshire at Emirates Durham ICG.“It’s an honour for me to play for Durham,” the 24-year-old was quoted as saying in a release issued by Durham.

 

“I’ve always wanted to play county cricket in the UK and am looking to play next season. However, I am happy that the opportunity has come sooner and I look forward to joining the rest of the team.”

Durham head Coach Jon Lewis said Aaron will add a lot of zing to the team’s bowling attack.

 

“He’s obviously got some good pace and he’s young and keen. He didn’t start the series (against England) and came into it halfway through and made an impact because he brought genuine pace to their attack, which they didn’t really have early on. I’m sure Stuart Broad remembers him!

 

“It bolsters our seam attack as we are a bit thin on the ground at the moment. The plan is that he’ll join us at Lord’s and spend a bit of time with us and that’ll give him a few days to get ready for the first game. We’re excited to have him onboard,” he said.