Botha makes Bears move

Slow left-armer Ant Botha is excited to be joining Warwickshire © Getty Images

Warwickshire have signed spinner Ant Botha from Derbyshire with immediate effect.

The South Africa-born slow left-armer, who joined Derbyshire in 2004, made the move after rejecting an offer of a new deal from his current employers.

The 30-year-old is having his best season since joining Derbyshire in 2004, with 51 first-class wickets at an average of 28.70.

He said: “It has been a very difficult decision and I can’t thank Derbyshire enough for everything they have done for me.

“At this stage of my career I feel this is the right move for me and an exciting opportunity that I might not get again.”

Derbyshire head of cricket John Morris said: “We are obviously very disappointed to be losing a player of Ant’s ability. The club made him a very good offer to stay but he sees his future elsewhere.

“We have allowed him to make the move immediately so I can have the opportunity to assess players in the remaining matches this year who are going to be a part of Derbyshire’s future.”