Yusuf thanks Durham after first SA Test call-up

Codi Yusuf had best figures of 4-26 in his four Durham matches

Codi Yusuf has thanked Durham as he cuts short his stint with the county to join up with South Africa's Test squad.

Yusuf originally signed for six Championship matches, but he is leaving early after being picked for the World Test Champions' two-match series in Zimbabwe, starting on 28 June.

The right-arm fast-medium bowler impressed with 17 wickets in his four Durham games at an average of just over 20.

"It's been an unbelievable experience, and there's been a lot of growth for me," he said.

"There's a lot I can go into this first Test call-up with."

South Africa have rested five of the team that beat Australia at Lord's for these two games in Zimbabwe, including new-ball bowlers Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen.

That puts Yusuf in line for a Test debut, and after a strong domestic summer, he has done well in England.

Brought in to cover an injury crisis on a recommendation from fellow Durham and now South Africa team-mate David Bedingham, he took six wickets on his Durham debut against Worcestershire as the team won two and drew one of those four Championship games.

"It's been phenomenal," he said. "Starting in Worcester was a lovely introduction to county cricket for me, and I carried on from that.

"If Durham ever give me a call at some point down the line, I'll take it in a heartbeat to make sure I'm back playing here."