NEW Hampshire seamer Daren Powell won't be facing a very familiar face when he makes his debut at Durham tomorrow.

The north easterners yesterday agreed terms with West Indies skipper Shivnarine Chanderpaul.

Chanderpaul was a massive thorn in England's side in the recent Test series, scoring 446 runs with two centuries and two other scores of 70 or above at an average of 148.66.

He scored an unbeaten 136 and 70 in the Test at Chester-le-Street, where tomorrow's championship game takes place.

He also scored 116 not out at Old Trafford and 74 at Lord's.

In addition, the 32-year-old struck another undefeated 116 in his side's one-day win at Edgbaston.

But Durham have been unable to clinch his signing in time to face Hampshire.

Durham have lost their last three Championship matches and a run of low scores prompted their search for a top overseas batsman.

That dismal run started when Shane Warne inspired Hampshire to a 50-run win at the Rose Bowl last month.

Asked to chase 253 for victory, Durham collapsed from 115-2 and were bowled out for 203 with Warne claiming 11 wickets in the game.

Durham then lost by six wickets at Surrey and were trounced by an innings and 102 runs by Sussex at Horsham last weekend.

In their last five innings they have been bowled out for 203, 201, 191, 209 and 206.

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