LONDON, Aug 12: South Africa batsman Herschelle Gibbs will play English county cricket for Durham next season, the north-east club announced Tuesday.

Aggressive Western Province opener Gibbs, 29, is currently on tour in England with South Africa and scored a stylish 179 in the drawn first Test at Edgbaston.

South Africa are currently 1-0 up in the best of five match series ahead of Thursday’s third Test at Trent Bridge but Durham decided not to wait before the end of the campaign to sign Gibbs.

“We are delighted with the signing of such an experienced player and I am confident he will make a major impact on the field as well helping some of the younger players develop,” said Durham chief executive David Harker.

Chairman Bob Jackson added: “Durham are committed to attracting the very best of overseas talent and Herschelle Gibbs continues this trend.

“I’m sure that Herschelle’s aggressive style of batting will provide real entertainment to the Durham fans.”

Gibbs follows South Africa team-mate Dewald Pretorius, who played for Durham earlier this season before joining up with the Test squad, at the Riverside.—AFP