Ryan Campbell is to become the director of cricket and high performance coaching at Durham, therefore vacating his role as head coach.

Campbell will step into the role that fellow Australian Marcus North had before he became England’s new national selector earlier this summer.

The 54-year-old has been in charge of the men’s team for four seasons during which time they have twice won Division Two, including this summer in which Durham went undefeated.

Campbell will now play an active role in appointing his successor as the county prepares for next year back in the top flight.

“Moving into the director of cricket and high performance coaching role isn’t stepping back, it’s a chance to keep shaping the direction of this club, and I’m really looking forward to it,” he told the club’s website., external

For chief executive Tim Bostock, Campbell can provide a smooth transition as he moves to a more senior position within the club so that Durham can continue to be successful.

“He has big shoes to fill in replacing Marcus North but continuity was an important factor in making this decision alongside delivering our long-term vision for Durham Cricket,” said Bostock,

“Ryan, like Marcus, understands the passion for cricket in the north east and totally buys into producing outstanding cricketers who will bring success for Durham and of course England in the years to come.”