Maher replaces Hussey at Durham

Durham have swapped one Australian with another for the rest of the season. Jimmy Maher will replace Mike Hussey who is joining Australia A's squad in Pakistan from next Monday (August 29).

Maher, who has played 26 one-dayers for Australia, averaging 42, will make his first appearance against Derbyshire at the Riverside in the Championship match which starts next Tuesday. "He is a natural opener," said Durham's head coach, Martyn Moxon, "and I'm sure his good form and experience will be hugely important in our promotion chase."

The allrounder Paul Collingwood will take over the captaincy from Hussey, and he was described by Moxon as "the natural choice".

Moxon continued: "Paul has a great deal of influence both on the field and in the dressing room and I'm sure that with the support of the squad we will continue to play match winning cricket under his captaincy."