The England A batsman decided to remain at Wantage Road after meeting in Australia last week with the club's recently-appointed director of cricket, Bob Carter, and chief executive, Steve Coverdale. Loye said: ``I'm delighted to be staying because I know that we'll make progress now with Bob Carter coming back to the club.''

Durham have added five newcomers to their staff for next season, including batsman Muazam Ali, 18, who has had two years on the Lord's groundstaff. The others are local all-rounders Marc Symington and Steve Chapman, Nick Hatch, a paceman from Darlington, and former Yorkshire Academy all-rounder Ryan Robinson. John Morris, who has been awarded a benefit, has handed over the vice-captaincy to Nick Speak.