Mitchell Claydon returns to Canterbury for t20 stint

Claydon was Durham's second-highest wicket taker in t20 last season

Durham pace bowler Mitchell Claydon has confirmed he will return to the New Zealand-based Canterbury Wizards for the winter of 2011-12.

Claydon took 12 wickets in five games as the Wizards reached the 2011 HRV Cup final, and will be available for the club's remaining Twenty20 campaign.

"I'm really pleased to be joining up with the Wizards again," Claydon said.

"It was a great experience for me last year to play some good quality cricket at a good standard."

Canterbury have recently added both Claydon and former New Zealand all-rounder Brendon Diamanti to boost their roster for the competition.

"Being able to get Mitchell back with us this season increases the strike power in our bowling attack," Wizards coach Bob Carter said.

"Mitchell was a terrific member of our side last season who performed on the park and contributed significantly off the park to our squad.

"He provides options with the new ball and is a very effective bowler at the end of an innings."

The Fairfield-born bowler returned from last year's spell with Canterbury to play a key role in Durham's T20 campaign, ending the season as the county's second highest wicket taker.

"To reach the final of the Ford Trophy was an amazing experience and really gave me a hunger to play in more big games.

"Playing overseas during the winter definitely helped my performance back at Durham this season.

"I'm looking forward to using this second stint with the Wizards as another opportunity to progress my game," he added.

Claydon follows Phil Mustard in spending the winter playing competitive cricket overseas, with the wicket-keeper captain playing in Zimbabwe this month.