Rogers makes Middlesex move

The departure of Chris Rogers, one of the finest imports of recent years, will leave a sizeable hole at the top of the Derbyshire order

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Chris Rogers, Derbyshire’s overseas player, has confirmed he will join Middlesex next season.

The Australian left-handed opener, who stood down as captain last week, has been comfortably Derbyshire’s most prolific batsman in recent seasons.

Having spent a brief spell at Derby in 2004, he returned in 2008, and will leave the county boasting a remarkable record.

He has scored 3,873 runs for Derbyshire, including 14 centuries, at an average of 61.56 in first-class cricket, and led the side following Rikki Clarke’s sudden departure midway through the 2008 campaign.

Rogers, who turns 33 today, said: “I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at Derbyshire and would like to thank all the support staff, players and supporters who have been fantastic to me over the last three years.

“I am sad to leave as I feel I have become a part of the side here and have forged some great relationships.

“I wish Derbyshire all the best and I believe that under John Morris they have the squad and support to become a successful side.”

Derbyshire head of cricket Morris said: “Chris has been a great player, captain and ambassador for the past three years and I would like to thank him for all he has done during his time with us.

“He has been a great professional and a consistent scorer of big runs; he leaves the club with our very best wishes.”

Derbyshire sit bottom of LV= County Championship Division Two after winning just two of their first 14 games, despite Rogers’ 1,211 runs at an average of 60.55, which includes 75 and 96 in the recent draw against Middlesex at Derby.

Rogers, also one of the most consistent batsmen in Australian domestic cricket, played a solitary Test for his country at Perth in early 2008.

Middlesex become Rogers' fourth English county, his having also played for Leicestershire and Northamptonshire between his stints at Derbyshire.

Middlesex have been without an overseas player since New Zealander Iain O’Brien’s departure late last month.