Stephen Cook signs for English County Durham on short-term deal

Stephen Cook, South Africa’s opening batsman has been one of the latest players to sign for the English County Championship after signing a half-season deal with county side Durham. However, unlike the deals many of his former teammates have signed, Cook has opted not to go ahead and sign a Kolpak deal with the County side.

Most of Cook’s teammates such as Kyle Abbott and Rilee Rossouw cannot feature for South Africa in the coming matches given the signatures of the Kolpak deals they have signed with their respective county sides. However, unlike these players, Stephen Cook has opted not to sign the deal given the fact that he is currently playing for the South African side.

In spite of being a late blossomer at 34, Cook has been impressive with the bat for the Proteas in recent times including an impressive century scored against Australia down under as well. The fact that he has cemented his place also goes on to showcase the reason behind the fact that he has not signed this particular deal.

Jon Lewis, the former England cricketer, and coach have also gone on to state that the British-based cricket team has been looking to add to the quality of their side and also looking out for a good player who can add solidity to the top of the order. Stephen Cook will be looking to have a good opening partnership with Keaton Jennings, a South African by birth as well.

Head coach Jon Lewis said: “We have been looking to add quality to the squad but also the right character to fit into the dressing room, and we have found someone who has both of those assets in Steve.

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