Durham sign Aussie Tait

Tait is regarded as an express paceman in the Brett Lee mould

Durham have completed the signing of emerging young Australian paceman Shaun Tait for the remainder of the season.

Tait, 21, is uncapped at both Test and one-day level, though he was called up to the squad for Australia's recent home and away series against Sri Lanka.

Tait, who took 33 first-class wickets for South Australia last season, replaces Pakistani Shoaib Akhtar.

A Durham spokesman said: "We have been in talks with Shaun for a while now and we are excited to sign him."

Tait is expected to arrive at the Riverside in time for Durham's Totesport League match against Somerset on 11 August.

Durham had signed Zimbabwean all-rounder Andy Blignaut as a stop-gap replacement for Shoaib, whose contract was ended when he was called up for the Asia Cup.

Tait, who won the 2003 Bradman Young Cricketer of the Year award, joins compatriot Marcus North on Durham's overseas roster.

He performed well for Australia A at the turn of the year and claimed national interstate one-day record figures of 8-43 in January.

Durham coach Martyn Moxon said: "It is always exciting to welcome a new player into the team, especially one who has such an thrilling reputation.

"We are really looking forward to Shaun making a full contribution to Durham's attack on the remaining Totesport League and County Championship fixtures."

Tait is rated by former Australia skipper Steve Waugh as the second-fastest bowler in the country behind Brett Lee.

His arrival cannot come soon enough for Durham, who last week were hit by the side injury to the Championship's leading wicket-taker Mark Davies.