UK: Durham pair to play for Zimbabwe side Tuskers in T20 competition

By thecricketer.com

ENGLAND: Durham pair Ben McKinney and Jonathan Bushnell are set to represent Matabeleland Tuskers in Zimbabwe’s domestic T20 competition.

The county have been in Zimbabwe as part of their pre-season preparations, beating Zimbabwe A in two first-class fixtures.

McKinney was only part of Durham’s red-ball squad for the trip, while Bushnell was due to be involved for its entirety. But the duo – McKinney captained England at the Under-19 World Cup earlier this winter – are now set to feature for Tuskers, one of five Zimbabwean domestic sides.

“This is a great opportunity for Ben and Jonny to both play a full part in the Zimbabwe T20 tournament,” said Marcus North, Durham’s director of cricket.

“Our relationship with Cricket Zimbabwe is very strong and having two of our guys play for the Tuskers in their domestic competition will only strengthen that relationship.

“Playing for the Tuskers will give Ben and Jonny the chance to play in a new team environment, learn from new players and experience something new, this is great for the lads, and we look forward to seeing them represent the Tuskers over the next week.”

Zimbabwe has become an increasingly popular destination for English overseas players in recent off-seasons; Matt Parkinson enjoyed a stint last winter, while Northamptonshire leg-spinner Alex Russell was the leading wicket-taker in this season’s red-ball competition. Dom Bess and Glamorgan batter Ed Byrom have also been involved in recent months.