Durham sign Gareth Breese as a non-overseas player

Durham have signed Gareth Breese, a West Indian with a British passport, on a one-year contract.

Breese, an allrounder who played one Test for West Indies against India in 2002, will not be classified as an overseas player because, come the start of the county season next April, it will have been more than 12 months since he last played Test cricket. Perversely, he now counts as an overseas player in his native Jamaica, although he remains eligible for West Indian selection.

Breese has been the leading wicket-taker for Jamaica over the last two years and he will join up with the Durham squad in March. He played a handful of games for Durham's second XI towards the end of 2003 and also practised with the senior squad. Martyn Moxon, the coach, said, "We are delighted to have secured the services of Gareth. He made a favourable impression during his time with us this season and he will further strengthen our squad."

Last season for Jamaica, Breese took 28 wickets in seven matches at an average of 22.85, with a best of 4 for 74. He also had a good season with the bat, scoring 335 runs at 37 with four fifties and a highest score of 98.