Durham bolster bowling ranks with loan signing

Durham have moved to strengthen their bowling ranks by signing Matt Dixon on loan from Essex.
Wood is returning to Durham from the IPLWood is returning to Durham from the IPL
Wood is returning to Durham from the IPL

The 25-year-old is Australian by birth but holds a British passport and will be available for the next month.

He will be free to feature in both the County Championship and the RL50 Cup.

Dixon has 27 wickets in 12 first class games.

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Durham coach Jon Lewis said: "I’m looking forward to welcoming Matt into our squad and believe he can add depth and pace to our current group.”

Having secured a stunning win against Leicestershire last week, their first ever after following on, Durham's ranks will be further bolstered by the return of England international Mark Wood.

Wood won a lucrative IPL contract with the Chennai Super Kings but has decided to end his stay there after struggling to hold down a regular place in the team.

Wood posted on instagram: "Having worked so hard to get back in the Test team, and because I am currently not in the CSK side, I am coming home to play for Durham and put my name in the hat for Test match selection.

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"To the CSK management, players and supporters, thanks so much for the support and welcoming me into this family club."

Wood and Dixon will both be available for the Championship game at Derbyshire, which starts on Friday.

Jon Lewis said he was thrilled to have Wood back.

"It's a massive boost to have Mark available for Friday," he said.

"On the occasions we've had him available to play for us over the last few years, he's made some great contributions.

"He comes back to us with a big point to prove and is eager to nail down his spot in the England Test side."