Sat Jun 28 09:00:00 UTC 2025: **FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**
**South Africa Call-Up Cuts Short Yusuf’s Impressive Durham Stint**
**DURHAM, ENGLAND -** Right-arm fast-medium bowler Codi Yusuf is heading home early. Yusuf, who was initially signed for six Championship matches, is leaving early after being picked for the World Test Champions’ two-match series in Zimbabwe, starting on June 28. The Durham County Cricket Club announced today that Codi Yusuf has cut short his stint with the team to join South Africa’s Test squad. Yusuf, brought in to cover an injury crisis on a recommendation from fellow Durham and now South Africa team-mate David Bedingham. He leaves after a highly successful four-game run with Durham, where he secured 17 wickets at an average of just over 20, with best figures of 4-26.
“It’s been an unbelievable experience, and there’s been a lot of growth for me,” Yusuf stated. “There’s a lot I can go into this first Test call-up with.”
Yusuf made an immediate impact, taking six wickets on his Durham debut against Worcestershire. His contributions were instrumental in Durham winning two and drawing one of the four Championship games he played. “Starting in Worcester was a lovely introduction to county cricket for me, and I carried on from that,” he said. He also added he would play again for Durham “in a heartbeat”.
South Africa has rested key players, including new-ball bowlers Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen, for the Zimbabwe series, potentially opening the door for Yusuf to make his Test debut. After a strong domestic summer, Yusuf’s impressive performance in England has positioned him as a strong contender.
First Piper 