Derbyshire release Sadler

John Sadler had glimpses of the first team this year, but his first-class returns were insufficient to win a new contract

Derbyshire have released batsman John Sadler after three seasons at the County Ground.

Sadler, the 28-year-old former Yorkshire and Leicestershire left-hander, scored 417 runs in 14 first-class matches for the county since 2008, but was unable to establish himself as a first-team regular.

The regular Derbyshire second XI captain, Sadler did have a successful spell in the Falcons middle-order during this season’s Friends Provident t20, averaging over 31 in 11 innings.

Derbyshire head of cricket John Morris said: “It is sad to see John go because he has been a popular member of the squad and an excellent character to have around.

“Although he has contributed steadily in limited-overs cricket, he has not scored heavily enough when the opportunities to play first-class cricket have come for us to offer another contract.”