Mayank Agarwal signs short-term deal with Durham for County Championship

Indian batter Mayank Agarwal has signed a short-term deal with Durham Cricket Club for the final four matches of the 2026 County Championship season. The 35-year-old right-hander will replace South African international David Bedingham, who has returned to South Africa ahead of their international red-ball summer. Agarwal is set to make his debut for Durham against Northamptonshire on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, and will play alongside former England captain Ben Stokes.

Durham head coach Ryan Campbell expressed his satisfaction with the signing. "We are delighted to have Mayank joining us for our County Championship run in. With David Bedingham returning to South Africa ahead of their international red ball summer it was important we acted by recruiting a high-class international cricketer for the remainder of the season," Campbell said. He added that Agarwal is a "hugely talented batter who has a superb first-class record," and that the club looks forward to his contribution as they aim to secure a return to Division One of the County Championship.

Agarwal's move to Durham comes after he was overlooked for the Duleep Trophy. He has been out of national contention since 2022,...