Published: Oct 05, 2017, 02:33 AM (IST)
Edited: Oct 05, 2017, 02:34 AM (IST)
It seems like the woes are never ending for Durham cricket. Big players like Keaton Jennings, Paul Coughlin and Graham Onions have departed from the club. Durham all-rounder and England vice-captain Ben Stokes, post his arrest, may end up not playing The Ashes later this year for the street brawl. Now the side faces another big blow as one of their brightest talents, Jack Burnham is ruled out of their 2018 campaign for testing positive for a recreational drug.
The guidelines of the England and Wales Cricket Board’s (ECB) illicit drugs policy makes Burnham unavailable for a year. According to reports, a hair sample taken last month tested positive and it was the 20-year-old cricketer’s third such offence.
“I am bitterly disappointed in my actions, I’ve let my teammates, members and supporters down,” Burnham said in a statement released by Durham’s official website. “I will work exceptionally hard to retain my fitness and carry out the rehabilitation procedures that have been put in place.”
The Professional Cricketers’ Association (PCA) will support the youngster alongside his club and ECB. Burham
The PCA confirmed in their own statement that they would support the young batsman along with his club and the ECB.
Progressing from various age groups in Durham, he has played 26 First-Class games for the county, amassing 1,018 runs at over 25. He became a big name when he top scored in the Under-19 World Cup in 2016. He scored more runs than future internationals and other stars from that tournament, India’s Rishabh Pant and Shimron Hetmyer. His tally of 418 runs helped him surpass England’s previous record that was set by Alastair Cook.
In addition to his ban term, Burnham will have an approved rehabilitation programme which included educations, counseling and treatment before he resumes his playing career again.
