Charlie Harmison follows father Steve to Durham on two-year deal

Charlie Harmison has signed a two-year deal with Durham. The 18-year-old fast bowler described it as his first rookie deal, a first professional contract for a young player. Durham confirmed the agreement on 2 October BBC Sport.

The name is familiar. Charlie is the son of Steve Harmison, the former England fast bowler known for steep pace and bounce. Like his father, he bowls fast.

Steve Harmison played 63 Tests for England between 2002 and 2009. He was part of the team that won the 2005 Ashes, the storied Test series between England and Australia. That series is still remembered as one of the closest and most dramatic ever played.

Charlie is now the fourth son of a player from that 2005 side to sign professional terms with a County Championship club, England's domestic first-class competition. Archie Vaughan, son of captain Michael Vaughan, is with Somerset. Rocky Flintoff and Corey Flintoff, sons of Andrew Flintoff, are at Lancashire and Kent respectively.

Durham holds family history too. Steve Harmison was part of the Durham side that won the County Championship title in 2008 and 2009. He retired in 2013 after a long association with the north-east county.

Harmison is not the only young player stepping up. Durham have also handed rookie deals to Robbie Bowman and Luke Symington. Bowman is a 19-year-old wicketkeeper-batter, a player who keeps wicket and bats. Symington is an 18-year-old batter.

What makes this stand out is the thread running through it. A new generation with famous surnames is entering the county game at the same time. For Durham supporters, the interest is simpler. Another Harmison will wear the shirt.