Botham to become new Durham president

Lord Botham played for Durham in 1992 and 1993

Lord Botham is to become the new honorary president of Durham after ending his tenure as the club chair.

Former England captain Botham, who played for the club in their first two seasons in county cricket in the early nineties, had been chair since 2017.

During his time in that role, Durham have recovered from their financial problems, returned to Division One and secured Tier 1 status for their women's team for next season.

"I am delighted with what has been achieved at the club during my tenure both on and off the field," Botham told the club's website.

The 69-year-old will be replaced as club chair by businessman Phil Collins, who had been vice chair under Botham.

The ex-all-rounder, who scored 5,200 runs and took 383 wickets in 102 Tests, has been a passionate advocate of the game in the north east.

Botham became club chair in the year after Durham had been relegated from Division One for financial issues, were placed under a salary cap and had their status as a Test match venue rescinded.

But he has presided over an upturn in fortunes, which is recognised by ECB chair Richard Thompson.

"Lord Botham's period as chair has been marked by Durham's strong recovery and the conveyer belt of English talent it has produced.

"The club has been put on a more secure footing, returned to the First Division of the men's County Championship, and it will also compete in the top tier of the new women's domestic structure next year."