Proteas opener Aiden Markram is to play the early part of the English County season with Durham, home last year to Stephen Cook.

The South Africa opener, who recently captained his country during their recent ODI series against India, will arrive at Emirates Riverside in time for Durham’s opening Championship fixture at home against Kent on April 21. It will be three weeks after the end of the Proteas-Australia Test series, and he will stay until the start of the Royal London One Day Cup in the middle of May.

New Zealand international Tom Latham, who spent a successful summer with Durham last season, will take over the South African’s opening spot in time for the white ball format and will also captain Durham’s Royal London campaign.

It is a deal similar to that signed by Duanne Olivier for Derbyshire recently.

Durham officials said they are also investigating different player options for their 2018 Vitality Blast campaign.

Durham’s chairman, Sir Ian Botham, said: ‘Aiden offers confidence and maturity at the top of the batting order and despite being just 23 years old, he has already been recognised by South Africa as a leader in the dressing room.

‘It’s great news that we will have Aiden at the beginning of our Championship campaign, especially with Tom Latham, Ben Stokes and Mark Wood all missing due to their international and IPL commitments.

‘We’re delighted to have both Aiden and Tom at Emirates Riverside this season and I am confident they will both contribute to what we hope will be a successful season.’

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