Batter Gay to join Durham from Northants

Emilio Gay has scored 860 runs in Division Two this season

Opener Emilio Gay will join County Championship Division One side Durham from Northamptonshire on a three-year deal from the 2025 season onwards.

Gay, 24, came through Division Two club Northants' academy and made his senior debut as a teenager in 2019.

He has scored more than 2,700 first-class runs and hit six centuries, including a career-best 261 against Middlesex in April.

"I have heard great things about the club both on and off the field and I am very much looking forward to being part of a new environment next season," Gay told Durham's website.

Gay is the fourth leading run scorer in the County Championship this summer with 860 runs at an average of 61.42.

He hopes the move to Chester-le-Street can push him even closer to potential international recognition.

He said: "Durham have a huge reputation of their players representing the national team and with my aspirations to play for England, I hope this opportunity will enable me to fulfil my international aspirations."

Gay's arrival will help fill the gap left by Michael Jones, who is leaving to rejoin Lancashire.

"At 24 years old, he is one of the most exciting young batters in the country, and we are looking forward to nurturing his talent here at Durham," added the club's director of cricket Marcus North.