Durston gets Derbyshire deal

Wes Durston has been handed a new contract after impressing in the Friends Provident t20

Wes Durston has been rewarded for his excellent Friends Provident t20 form with a full-time contract at Derbyshire.

Durston had initially moved to the County Ground on a t20 contract after impressing for the Unicorns, but he will now feature in all competitions under his new deal, which will take him through to the end of the 2012 season.

The 29-year-old batsman was released by Somerset following their Twenty20 Champions League campaign last year.

But his 117 off 68 balls for the Unicorns in a Clydesdale Bank Pro40 victory over Sussex helped him secure his initial short-term deal at Derbyshire, and scores of 111 and 71 in Twenty20 action have led the county to extend and expand his contract.

Head of cricket John Morris said: “The original Friends Provident t20 contract signed by Wes gave him an opportunity to prove himself.

“The way he has performed in all facets of the game, as well as his attitude and professionalism both on and off the field, has convinced us that he will be an excellent addition to our squad for all forms of cricket.”