Varun Aaron to play for Durham county

India fast bowler Varun Aaron will play for Durham in the remainder of the English county season.

He becomes the second Indian this summer to play for a county club after promising batsman Cheteshwar Pujara joined Derbyshire.

“It’s an honour for me to play for Durham,” the 24-year-old bowler was quoted as saying on Durham County Cricket Club’s official website.

“I’ve always wanted to play county cricket in the UK and am looking to play next season. However, I am happy that the opportunity has come sooner and I look forward to joining the rest of the team,” he added.

He got the chance to play as Australian all-rounder John Hastings is leaving Durham for the Champions League T20 2014 to represent Chennai Super Kings.

Aaron, who impressed in the last two Tests of the recent five-match series against England taking five wickets, will leave for the UK in the wee hours of Monday morning.

He will lead the Durham attack for their home fixture against Northamptonshire, which begins on September 15, followed by a trip to Birmingham, on September 23, where the club wraps up its County Championship season against Warwickshire.

The young pacer said he is eagerly looking forward to the brief stint which, he believes, will add to his preparation for the rest of the season.

“County cricket is something I have always wanted to play and I’m glad to have got the opportunity so soon. I’m looking forward to bowling in English conditions again,” he added. 

Durham CCC head coach Jon Lewis expressed delight over Aaron’s signing.

“He's obviously got some good pace and he's young and keen. I’m sure Stuart Broad remembers him,” said Lewis. “It bolsters our seam attack as we are a bit thin on the ground at the moment. We're excited to have him onboard.”

Image: Varun Aaron