Durham's Phil Mustard set for Zimbabwean Twenty20 role

Image caption, Mustard will spend five weeks at Mountaineers in Zimbabwe

Durham's County Championship captain Phil Mustard has joined the Zimbabwean Twenty20 side Mountaineers for a five-week stint from 25 November.

The 29-year-old, who has England Twenty20 experience, was the county's top batsman in this summer's FLt20 competition with an average of 75.

"I'm looking forward to joining up with the Mountaineers," Mustard said.

"I think my experience in Twenty20 cricket has come on a lot and I wanted to make sure that I kept my eye in."

Mustard will spend part of his trip coaching the youth and senior ranks at the Mountaineers, who are based between the Manicaland and Mashonaland East regions of Zimbabwe.

"This opportunity allows me to play cricket but also lets me take on some more responsibility in a coaching capacity," Mustard said.

Head coach Geoff Cook added: "It's great to see Phil taking the initiative and organising this trip as a means of continuing his personal development as well as getting some time out in the middle."