After agreeing to a two-year player-coach contract, Scott Borthwick will continue to play a crucial role for Durham even if he has stepped down as captain.
After graduating from Durham's academy, Borthwick, 34, was instrumental in the team's 2013 County Championship victory. Before returning to Chester-le-Street as captain in 2021 and leading the team's comeback to Division One, he left for Surrey in 2016 and won another Championship down south.
Despite having two fifties and an average of 19.77 in the Championship the previous season, Borthwick achieved his first one-day hundred. In addition to coaching the academy, route teams, and men's and women's professional teams, he will remain available to play in a variety of formats.
Borthwick declared, "I am thrilled to be assuming this new role as player-coach." From an 11-year-old in the academy to being the club captain, I have had the good fortune to accomplish a lot as a player with this team, therefore Durham is the best place for me to begin my coaching career.
"I am thankful to Marcus [North], Ryan [Campbell], and the coaching staff for giving me this chance. I am excited to absorb knowledge from the skilled coaches and staff on all of our teams, work hard in the gym, and yet be ready to play and be the best player I can be."
"I am very eager about starting this next phase in my career because Durham has given me so much so far."
Durham Cricket's director of cricket, Marcus North, stated: "Scott has been a vital member of Durham Cricket for many years, and his passion for the team is still as strong as it has ever been. Following discussions after the 2024 season, Scott will now enter the next phase of his career in a player-coach capacity, which we believe will be a wonderful fit for both Scott and the club.
"Even though he will still be able to play for the first team, his leadership abilities and game knowledge will assist the entire club, which is exciting for the players he will be working with."
"In addition to his playing skills, Scott will provide significant value to our support personnel across all of our professional teams and paths for both men and women. Over the coming years, we hope to contribute to his coaching career.
"One of the main reasons we were promoted back to Division One in 2021 was Scott's return to the team as captain. On behalf of Durham Cricket, I want to express my gratitude to him for his outstanding four years as captain.
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