Brad Williams joins Durham

Brad Williams, the Australian fast bowler from Western Australia, has joined Durham as a replace for Mick Lewis for the remainder of the season. Williams, 30, has played four Tests and 25 ODIs for Australia and his career-best first-class figures are 7 for 64.

Martyn Moxon, the Durham coach, said: "It's great that we have been able to secure someone of Brad's talent and experience to join the Club at this stage of the season.

"The closing weeks will be hugely important for us, especially as the fight for promotion to the first division is remarkably close and with just six National League matches left we've got everything to play for. Brad's international experience will undoubtedly contribute to the continued development of the younger members of the squad."

Durham are top of the Second Division of the County Championship as they chase promotion to the top flight. Williams is the third Australia fast bowler to play for Durham this summer after Lewis and Ashley Noffke.