Durham County Cricket Club is delighted to announce the signature of Yorkshire batsman Alex Lees on a three-year deal.

Lees, 25, will join the club on loan for the remainder of Durham’s 2018 season and will be available for the club’s Specsavers County Championship fixture against Glamorgan at Sophia Gardens on August 19.

Originally from Halifax, Lees adds experience and depth to Durham’s squad and has played 89 First Class matches, scoring just shy of 5000 runs and averaging 34.53.

The left-handed opener has played 46 List A fixtures and 37 T20’s and was named as YCCC’s captain in both white ball formats, aged just 22.

He helped Yorkshire win back-to-back County Championship titles in 2014 and 2015 and was noticed by England selectors, earning a place on Lions trips to Sri Lanka and South Africa.

Durham County Cricket Club, Head Coach, Jon Lewis, said: “We’re delighted that Alex has signed for the club and believe that his experience and skillset will make him a perfect fit at Emirates Riverside.

“When an English batsman of his age and ability becomes available, it’s a no brainer and we’re pleased that he has chosen Durham as we were aware that other counties were looking at him.

“Adding him into our squad gives us great options across both red ball and white ball and we are looking forward to seeing him continue to develop during the coming years at Durham and put himself back in contention for an England spot.”