News

Tait on his way to Durham

Durham have signed Shaun Tait, the Australian fast bowler, for the remainder of the season

Wisden Cricinfo staff
22-Jul-2004


Shaun Tait is on his way to the Riverside © Getty Images
Durham have signed Shaun Tait, the Australian fast bowler, for the remainder of the season. Tait, 21, took 33 wickets in the Pura Cup last season, and is on the fringes of the Australian national side. He was called into the squad for the Australian tour to Sri Lanka as a replacement for the injured Brett Lee earlier this year, though he didn't play a game, and has played for Australia A. He also attended a pre-tour training camp prior to Australia's cancelled Test series against Zimbabwe.
Durham enlisted the services of Andy Blignaut, one of the Zimbabwean rebel cricketers, last week, but he is only on a one-month contract, and injuries are still keeping out several Durham players.
Tait has been in the news recently for his interesting batting technique. He currently bats right-handed, but has said he wants to try switching to a left-handed stance, and possibly even "switch-hitting", where he could bat both rightand left-handed during a single innings. It was reported that he has been talking about these options to John Buchanan, the Australian coach, who is a known advocate of switch-hitting.