Charlie Harmison follows Ashes-winning family footsteps to sign Durham deal

Charlie Harmison, the 18-year-old fast bowler and son of 2005 Ashes winner Steve, has signed a two-year rookie deal with Durham. Like his father, who made 63 Test appearances for England between 2002 and 2009, young Harmison operates as a fast bowler and has already been capped by England up to the Under-19 level.

The teenager becomes the fourth son of members from the historic 2005 Ashes-winning squad to secure professional terms with a County Championship club. The trend includes captain Michael Vaughan's son Archie at Somerset, alongside all-rounder Andrew Flintoff's sons Rocky and Corey, who are with Lancashire and Kent respectively.

Reflecting on his milestone, Harmison told the club website that he was thrilled to secure his first rookie contract. He expressed his readiness for the challenges ahead, stating his aspiration to contribute towards the team's future success.

His father Steve enjoyed a distinguished career with Durham, helping the Chester-le-Street side claim County Championship titles in 2008 and 2009 before retiring in 2013. Durham secured promotion back to the top flight this season after capturing the Division Two title.

Alongside Harmison, the county also secured rookie deals for 19-year-old wicketkeeper-batter Robbie Bowman and 18-year-old batter Luke Symington as they plan for the upcoming campaigns.