Rushworth Rewarded For His Tenacity

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Chris Rushworth always had the hunger and drive to make it as a professional cricketer for Durham.

Despite being released by the county in 2006, he took temporary jobs and pressed his case playing club cricket for Sunderland in the North East Premier League. Then in 2010, his persistence paid off. Durham offered him a second chance and re-signed him.

Eight years later, as one of the most consistent bowlers in county cricket and a key member of Durham’s 2013 Championship-winning side, Rushworth has been awarded a testimonial for 2019. The Sunderland-born paceman could not be prouder.

“I’m a local lad. My family were all born and bred a few miles from the ground. So to be given a testimonial for your home county is something; I can’t say how proud I am and how proud the family are of me. It’s just a massive honour and one I’m hugely grateful for.

“My ambition was always to be a professional for Durham. When you get released at a young age, you miss it. It makes you want it more.

“So, to go away and then come back and have that kind of hunger and drive, basically just take every chance when it comes along, it was something I was always keen to do. I made sure I made the most of the second opportunity which I’m very grateful to Durham for.”