DURHAM — South African fast bowler Codi Yusuf has rejoined Durham for a second stint, signing a contract that will see him feature across all three formats until early September. The 28-year-old, who previously played for the county in 2022, returns to bolster Durham's bowling attack in the County Championship, Vitality Blast, and Metro Bank One-Day Cup.
Yusuf, known for his raw pace and ability to extract bounce from lively surfaces, was a standout performer in his first spell with Durham, taking 32 wickets in just seven first-class appearances. His return comes at a crucial time for the club, which is pushing for promotion in Division Two of the County Championship while also eyeing silverware in the shorter formats.
A Proven Performer Returns
Durham’s director of cricket, Marcus North, expressed his delight at securing Yusuf’s services once again. "Codi made a huge impact during his last stint with us, and we’re thrilled to have him back," North said. "His ability to bowl at high speeds and his experience in different conditions make him a valuable asset across all formats."
Yusuf’s return follows a strong domestic season in South Africa, where he played a key role for the Lions in the CSA T20 Challenge and the 4-Day Franchise Series. His performances earned him a recall to the Proteas’ Test squad earlier this year, though he is yet to make his international debut.
What Yusuf Brings to Durham
Yusuf’s skill set aligns perfectly with Durham’s needs, particularly in red-ball cricket, where his ability to generate steep bounce and seam movement has troubled batters in English conditions. His attributes include:
- Raw pace, consistently clocking speeds above 140 km/h
- An aggressive bowling style that suits the County Championship’s demands
- Experience in English conditions, having previously excelled at Chester-le-Street
In addition to his red-ball prowess, Yusuf has developed into a reliable T20 bowler, capable of delivering yorkers and slower balls under pressure. His inclusion strengthens Durham’s Vitality Blast campaign, where they aim to improve on last season’s quarter-final exit.
Yusuf’s Thoughts on the Move
Speaking about his return, Yusuf said, "I loved my time at Durham in 2022—the fans, the team, and the setup were fantastic. When the opportunity came to return, it was an easy decision. I’m looking forward to contributing to wins and hopefully helping the club achieve its goals this season."
Durham’s Ambitions for the Season
Durham currently sit in a strong position in Division Two of the County Championship, with promotion to the top tier a realistic target. The club has also been competitive in the Vitality Blast, with Yusuf’s arrival expected to add firepower to their bowling unit.
North emphasized the importance of Yusuf’s role in the squad: "Having someone of Codi’s quality available for the rest of the season is a massive boost. He’s a match-winner, and we believe he can help us push for trophies."
Looking Ahead
Yusuf’s immediate focus will be on Durham’s upcoming County Championship fixtures, where his ability to exploit seamer-friendly pitches could prove decisive. His availability for the entire season means he will also feature in the latter stages of the Vitality Blast and the Metro Bank One-Day Cup.
With international commitments unlikely to interfere, Durham fans can expect to see Yusuf in action consistently over the next few months. His return has been met with excitement, as supporters hope he can replicate—or even surpass—his impressive performances from 2022.
As the season progresses, Yusuf’s form could also reignite discussions about a potential South Africa call-up. For now, though, his focus remains firmly on delivering for Durham and helping the club achieve success across all formats.
Durham’s next match sees them take on Sussex in the County Championship, where Yusuf is expected to make his second debut for the club. Fans will be eager to see if he can pick up where he left off two years ago.
In conclusion, Yusuf’s return is a significant coup for Durham, adding depth, experience, and firepower to their bowling attack. His ability to perform in all formats makes him a key player as the club pushes for success on multiple fronts this season.