By Jon Steer
July 22 2004

Australian Pace bowler Shaun Tait has signed to play for Durham for the rest of the season. It will be the 21 year old's first look at county cricket. Tait has forced himself to the verge of international selection for Australia and is seen as a great prospect for the country. Tait has been in the news recently in Australia with reference to his batting style. He has in the past batted right handed but looks set to try out batting left handed and possibly even 'switch hitting' where he can bat with either hand. He has been reported as discussing these options with Australian national coach John Buchanan who is a known propopent of switch hitting.

Tait took 30 wickets in last seasons Pura Cup at an average of just over 28.
He attended the pre-tour training camp for the test series against Zimbabwe which was cancelled at the last minute.

With Blignaut only on a one month contract and injuries still keeping out key players, Tait could help us avoid an embarrassing finish to the County Championship even if it is too late to push for promotion.