SCOTT BORTHWICK will be back at Durham for the 2021 season, returning to the club where he was part of the triple County Championship-winning squad.

The batsman, who also won the one-day trophy with Durham in 2014, has signed a new long-term deal. With a year remaining on his contract, Surrey agreed to release Borthwick so that he could return to his hometown club.

Borthwick, who joined Surrey in 2017, enjoyed a successful spell in the capital, cementing his place as an opening batsman and spin bowler, and winning the County Championship in 2017.

The return of Borthwick follows that of former Academy graduates Paul Coughlin and Ben Raine.

Durham's director of cricket, Marcus North said: “This is a big signing for us and shows our intent to take this club forward. Scott brings with him a wealth of experience across all three formats and provides us with options at the top of the batting order and as a spinner, which are both areas we need to strengthen.

“Having previously played for the club he knows what it means to be a Durham player and will fit straight into the dressing room. It is great to see another one of our homegrown players return as we continue to build towards a big summer for the club in 2021."

Borthwick said: “I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at Surrey, and I’d like to say a big thank you to all of the players, staff and members who supported me during my time there.

“Durham is really close to my heart, it is a club which I have come through the ranks from under nines right through to the academy, so to get the opportunity and chance to represent Durham again was something which really excited me, and I can’t wait.

“Some of my proudest moments as a cricketer are winning games for Durham and I am desperate to do that again. I know I am 30 now but I still feel young at heart, but I am fit and still feel like my cricket has lots to offer and have some of the best years ahead of me, with both bat and ball. So now is a really good time to come back.”

Borthwick will finish the 2020 season with Surrey before joining Durham ahead of pre-season training this winter.