DURHAM paceman Chris Rushworth has committed his future to the county for at least the next two years.

The 26-year-old seamer has signed a contract extension until the end of the 2014 season.

The Sunderland-born bowler came through the Durham CCC Academy, although it was 2010 he signed his first full professional contract with the club.

He soon made his first-class debut against Yorkshire at Headingley in the County Championship and quickly became a vital part of the Durham limited-overs side.

It was this past summer, however, which saw Rushworth cement his place in Geoff Cook’s first-choice attack.

Rushworth’s best season saw him take 38 wickets at an average of only 16.39 – the third-best bowling average in the country behind Abdur Rehman of Somerset and Durham’s 2012 Player of the Year, Graham Onions.

Rushworth said: “I’m delighted to sign a new contract extension with Durham.

“This summer was a tough season for the club but, on a personal level, I was delighted to take 38 Championship wickets and felt for the first time I’d really established myself in the first team.

“I’m hoping to push on to the next level in 2013.”