Durham sign Aldridge and Bailey as Killeen heads to Essex

Mitchell Killeen, the Durham allrounder, has agreed to join Essex on a two-year deal from the end of the current season.

Killeen made his Durham debut in a One-Day Cup match in 2022 and has made nine List A and three first-class appearances - which included taking 5 for 36 on his County Championship debut earlier this year. He has also featured for England Under-19s and the Professional County Club XI.

The 20-year-old, son of former Durham seamer, now England bowling consultant, Neil Killeen, was Durham's 2nd XI player of the season in 2024, scoring more than 400 runs to go with 18 wickets.

"I am really excited to be joining Essex for the 2026 season," Mitchell Killeen said. "Essex have an excellent squad of cricketers and have obviously enjoyed some great success in recent years. Once Chris Silverwood got in touch, I knew that I wanted to be involved with what he is trying to build at Chelmsford.

"I feel my cricket is developing and I will be doing my best to push hard for regular first team cricket. I know a few of the younger players from my time with England Under-19s and I can't wait to meet the rest of the squad ahead of next season."

Killeen's signing follows that of Zaman Akhter from Gloucestershire as Essex look to reshape their attack for next season.

Durham have offset Killeen's departure with the signings of Kasey Aldridge and Archie Bailey, from Somerset and Gloucestershire respectively.

Aldridge, 24, is a tall fast bowler who played for England at the Under-19 World Cup in early 2020 and has also represented England Lions. He went on loan to Durham for eight matches in the Blast this year, taking his first T20 five-for against Nottinghamshire, and has taken 12 wickets in five County Championship appearances for Somerset this summer.

"We're delighted that Kasey has chosen to join Durham, and we have been able to secure the signing of a highly talented bowling allround," Marcus North, the club's director of cricket, said. "At only 24, Kasey has already established great foundations in all formats of his game, and we look forward to nurturing this very exciting talent in his next stage of his career at Durham."

Somerset confirmed Aldridge's impending departure earlier this month, with Ben Green and Josh Davey also set to leave the club. "All three players were offered contract extensions," Andy Hurry, their director of cricket said. "However, they have taken the decision to seek enhanced playing opportunities elsewhere and we must respect that decision."

Bailey, meanwhile, is a 20-year-old seamer who has come through Gloucestershire's pathway. Like Aldridge, he has signed a three-year deal, and will join Durham on loan for the remainder of the Metro Bank One-Day Cup. "While it's never easy to say goodbye, I'm excited about what lies ahead and will always look back on my time at Gloucestershire with pride and gratitude," Bailey said.