Gavin Hamilton joins Durham

Durham have signed Gavin Hamilton, the former Yorkshire and England allrounder, on a one-year contract.

Hamilton, 29, played one Test for England against South Africa in November 1999, but had a game to forget with two ducks and no wickets. He had earlier risen to prominence during the 1999 World Cup for Scotland, scoring 217 runs at an average of over fifty.

Since then, though, his career has been on a downward spiral after he suffered the yips at Yorkshire and lost confidence in all areas of his game. He has played only three first-class games in the past two seasons for Yorkhsire, but Martyn Moxon, Durham's coach, has given him another chance.

"I'm really looking forward to a new challenge and a fresh start at Durham," Hamilton said. "I have known Martyn for several years and it is great to have the chance to work with him again."

Moxon, who coached Hamilton at Yorkshire, said: "We are delighted that a player of Gavin's experience and quality is available to us. Gavin hasn't played regular 1st XI cricket for a couple of years, however, we are delighted to give him the opportunity to regain his status."

It is thought that Hamilton will play as a specialist batsman, and he will join Durham's other new signings, Herschelle Gibbs, Shoaib Akhtar and Gareth Breese, at the Riverside for next season.