Harmison extends Durham stint to 2013

England fast bowler Steve Harmison has signed a four-year deal with Durham that will keep him at Chester-le-Street till 2013. Harmison, 31, may be having a torrid time internationally, yo-yoed in and out of the England squad, but he had an impressive 2009 with the Division One side, picking up fifty Championship wickets to take his career tally to over 400 first-class wickets.

"I have always loved playing cricket for Durham and I'm incredibly proud to represent the club and be part of the setup here," Harmison said. "I'm looking forward to the next four seasons, especially 2010 as we look to win the Championship for a record third year."

Harmison, however, insisted that his England career wasn't over. He played two Tests in the Ashes, took five wickets but was omitted for the tour of South Africa. Commenting on his omission, he understood the national selectors' plans of building a team for the future.

"I will go out like I did this year and the year before that to try and take wickets for Durham," Harmison was quoted in the Daily Telegraph. "If that sees my name put in the hat to play for England again and I can be of service, I will be happy to do that.

"But the way it has been explained to me is that England are trying to move on to the next level for their next big series in Australia in 2010. They don't see me being a part of that and I think I would struggle because of all the international cricket between the last Test I played at the Oval and that first Ashes Test in Brisbane next year.

"England have made their decision to build for the future, which is fine by me. They are going through an exciting time, they are going with a group of young fast bowlers to South Africa which will be helpful for them. I hope they do well. If I knew it wasn't possible for me to go to Australia in 2010, then I would come out and retire [from international cricket] for the sake of everybody."

Harmison, in fact, claimed the wicket that clinched the County Championship in both of Durham's title wins in 2008 and 2009, and was named the county's Bowler of the Year for the second year running. Despite the achievements, Harmison failed to make England's squad for the upcoming tour of South Africa.

Durham head coach Geoff Cook, however, was delighted that Harmison had committed his future. "Stephen is a huge asset to our team, he has a great presence, both on the field and in the dressing room, and his commitment and dedication to the Club has always been fantastic," Cook said.

The sentiment was similar from David Harker, Durham's chief executive. "Stephen is a great performer for Durham and we are absolutely delighted that he will remain a major part of the team for the foreseeable future. Off the field we have a number of young players benefiting from his experience and guidance and that contribution cannot be underestimated."