Rogers returns as Derbyshire skipper

Chris Rogers will captain Derbyshire again in 2009

Australia batsman Chris Rogers will captain Derbyshire again in 2009 after signing a new contract at the County Ground.

The 31-year-old left-hander, who took over from Rikki Clarke in August, has been rewarded with the new deal as the club’s overseas player.

He enjoyed a fine season which has seen him top 1,000 runs in the first-class game and score six half-centuries in limited-overs cricket.

Sustaining an average of close to 60 throughout the LV County Championship Division Two campaign, Rogers was awarded a county cap during the recent four-day match against Glamorgan.

His finest hour came in the match against Warwickshire at Edgbaston when he scored a mammoth 248 not out: the third highest individual score in Derbyshire’s first-class history.

That innings was one of four times this season that Rogers has passed 100, taking his career total to an exceptional 28.

Rogers, who made his Test debut for Australia in January, will begin his Victoria career during the English winter having ended his 10-year association with Western Australia. He will then return to the County Ground in time for the start of the 2009 season.

Head of cricket John Morris said: “Chris has scored consistent runs throughout the 2008 season and throughout his career so I am delighted to be welcoming him back as captain next year.

“Since taking over the reins leading the side midway through the season, Chris has also proved to be an excellent leader and his experience will be vital to us in 2009.”

Rogers added: “I have thoroughly enjoyed playing for Derbyshire in 2008 and am therefore very pleased to have been handed the opportunity of returning next year.

“We have a talented squad here with some exciting young players coming through and a good spirit within the camp so I hope we can continue to progress and enjoy a successful 2009.

“The captaincy has been an exciting new challenge for me and I am already looking forward to continuing to lead Derbyshire next season.”