Blackwell future at Durham in doubt

By Tim Wellock

The future of Durham’s Ian Blackwell remains uncertain after he spent the end of last season on loan with Warwickshire. The former Derbyshire and Somerset all-rounder is to have an operation on a shoulder which has troubled him for several years.

Blackwell didn’t feature in the Durham first team from May onwards this year, his only appearance being against Australia A, when he emerged with career-best figures of seven for 52 in the second innings.

As at Somerset, his general fitness was a cause for concern, although he performed well enough at Edgbaston to help Warwickshire clinch the title and retained his place for the latter stages of the Clydesdale Bank 40 competition.

He has a year left on his contract at Durham, who are having second thoughts about signing an overseas player for 2013 because of their financial situation.

Wicketkeeper-batsman Michael Richardson has signed a contract extension to the end of the 2014 season after considering other options.

The 26-year-old South African, who has a degree in finance, accounting and management, is currently working for investment management company Brewin Dolphin, who have just signed a three-year extension to their sponsorship deal with Durham.

As understudy to the ever-present Phil Mustard, Richardson was growing frustrated with his lack of opportunities. But he was given the chance to play purely as a batsman in the last two games of the summer, going in at No 3. After making 41 in the first innings of Durham’s draw away to Lancashire, he scored 58 in the second innings at home to Sussex.

 “I’m really looking forward to next year, and proud to have extended my stay with Durham,” he said. “I’ll be meeting up again with the squad full time in January. I got my place in the first team towards the end of last season, and that’s where I would like to start come April.”



Date: 30/11/2012 15:34:39 by Tim Wellock
In: Today | Durham |