Durham sign David Miller for Twenty20

David Miller is a powerful left-hander and joins Durham for this season's FPt20 © AFP Enlarge

Durham have signed David Miller, the 21-year-old South African batsman, for the Friends Provident t20 this season.

Miller has a reputation for being a big-hitting middle-order player and narrowly missed out on a World Cup berth after making his international debut last year. He has played 13 ODIs for South Africa as well and six Twenty20 internationals, from which he averages 41.00.

He played alongside Dale Benkenstein for Nashua Dolphins in 2010 and is set to rejoin his old team-mate in Chester-le-Street as Durham look to improve their fortunes in the FPt20 after finishing one off the bottom of the North Group last year.

"This will be my first time joining a club in the UK as an overseas player and I'm really looking forward to making my mark," said Miller. "I'm excited about joining up with Dale and the rest of the squad, I've heard plenty of good things about the club and their ambition to do well in this format and I think I can contribute significantly."

Geoff Cook, the Durham coach said, "We really benefited from having the extra power in the batting line up last season with Ross Taylor and Albie Morkel so we're pleased to be able to add David to our current line up to strengthen the middle order. Dale was really impressed by his talent, we're delighted to have him on board."