Lineker nets Derbyshire deal

Derbyshire have continued their squad rebuilding with the signing of Matt Lineker.

The left-handed batsman has been rewarded for a string of impressive performances in club cricket with a summer contract at Derby.

Lineker, 25, has played for Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire second XI, but has been recruited largely on the back of his form for Alfreton in the Derbyshire Premier League.

He scored 1,112 runs at an average of 42.77 in all competitions, including a fine 158 from just 126 balls against Quarndon in the Derbyshire Premier Cup in May.

“Matt has been a standout performer on the Derbyshire Premier League scene for several years now and he deserves this opportunity to show what he can do in county cricket,” said Derbyshire head of cricket John Morris.

“If Matt can make a success of this opportunity he will be a fine example for other local players to follow.”

He joins wicketkeeper Luke Sutton, who has rejoined from Lancashire, and Somerset pace bowler Mark Turner at the County Ground next season, although prolific opening batsman Chris Rogers has left for Middlesex.