Scott Borthwick will retire from professional cricket at the end of the 2026 county season, Durham Cricket confirmed on September 14, 2026. The 36-year-old has spent the majority of his career at Durham, making his professional debut for the club in 2008 at the age of 18.
Across two spells with Durham, Borthwick made 360 appearances, scored 10,861 runs and claimed 336 wickets. He is the club’s third highest run scorer in first-class cricket, having accumulated 8,432 runs and 15 centuries in that format alone. His highest first-class score was 216 against Middlesex at Chester-le-Street in 2014.
Borthwick made his England international debut against Ireland in August 2011. He stepped down as Durham captain in December 2024 and moved into a player-coach role, having rejoined the club from Surrey ahead of the 2021 season. He was awarded a testimonial year in 2026 and signed a two-year contract extension ahead of the 2025 season in his player-coach capacity.
“I feel incredibly lucky to have had such an amazing career as a player. To win trophies across all formats, play alongside some of the best players in the game and represent my country are things I’m hugely proud of. Durham has been such a big part of my life and my career, so I’m delighted that my next chapter will be here. I’ve really enjoyed developing my coaching and I’m excited to make that my focus. The club will be back where it belongs in Division One next year and I’m looking forward to being part of the coaching team and helping Durham compete at the highest level again,” said Borthwick as quoted by Durham Cricket.
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What did Borthwick achieve during his time at Durham?
Borthwick was part of the Durham squad that won three County Championship titles and the One Day Cup between 2008 and 2014. He was promoted to bat at number three in 2013 and top scored in Durham’s third County Championship victory that year. From 2013, he delivered four consecutive seasons of 1,000 or more first-class runs.
His most recent century for the club was an unbeaten 134 in the title-clinching draw against Worcestershire at New Road in 2023, the same season in which he lifted the County Championship Division Two title as captain. That innings encapsulated his value to Durham across both his spells with the club.
“This club was built for great people like Scott Borthwick, talented kids from the North East who wanted to follow their dreams and play for England. Scott lived that dream, his performances for Durham with bat, ball and as Durham captain, is a credit to him and his family. We say goodbye to a club legend as a player, but the journey isn’t over, I look forward to him continuing his legacy as a coach,” said Men’s head coach Ryan Campbell.
What comes next for Borthwick after his playing career ends?
Following his retirement from playing, Borthwick will move into a full-time coaching role with Durham’s Men’s 1st and 2nd teams. The transition is a natural progression from the player-coach position he has held since December 2024.
The club’s response to his retirement underlined the regard in which he is held in the North East. Borthwick’s coaching appointment means Durham retain one of their most experienced figures as they prepare for life back in County Championship Division One.
