Durham sign Taylor, Morkel

New Zealand batsman Taylor, 25, who recently hit a record 81-ball century for his country, will join up with the squad ahead of their first fixture against Lancashire Lightning on June 4.

Taylor said: "I'm really pleased to be part of Durham'sTwenty20 campaign. After their recent success in the Championship I want to be a major contributor in the team that replicates that in Twenty20 cricket."

He added: "I'm excited about coming over and playing in front of a passionate north east crowd."

All-rounder Morkel returns for his second stint with the county after helping the side reach the Twenty20 Cup finals day in 2008.

The South African said: "I was eager to take up the opportunity to come back to the Riverside after my first stint there in 2008.

"It's a great club to be a part of, there is a lot of ambition and team spirit in the dressing room and I'm looking forward to joining back up with the team."

Both players will be representing their respective countries in the ICC World T20 in the West Indies before joining up with the Durham squad.