Wainwright eager to seize opportunity

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Spinner David Wainwright is "determined to try and get a first-team place" at Derbyshire after leaving home county Yorkshire in the off-season

David Wainwright is keen to establish a regular first-team place at Derbyshire following his off-season move from Yorkshire.

The Pontefract-born spinning all-rounder grew frustrated at becoming a bit-part player at his home county due to the presence of English spinners Adil Rashid and Azeem Rafiq and, as a result, triggered a clause in his contract to pursue a career away from his beloved Headingley Carnegie.

Knowing he would be presented with more opportunities to fulfil his undoubted potential, the 26-year-old jumped at the chance of signing a two-year deal with the White Rose’s LV= County Championship Division Two rivals.

Yorkshireman Wainwright, who signed for Derbyshire on loan in July before being recalled without playing a match, told ecb.co.uk: “I’ve always been determined to try and get a first-team place; it’s just not been possible at Yorkshire.

“I want to be playing regular cricket and performing well. As long as I get the opportunity at Derbyshire then at least I can't complain.”

Wainwright, who was subject to interest from other counties, revealed director of cricket Karl Krikken’s influence was a major factor in his decision to make the move.

“Karl’s a good bloke, I worked in India with him and we got on well there,” he said.

“I’ve been in to see him a few times, meeting the lads and everything seems to be good down there. They have a good work ethic and Karl and I have discussed how to get the best out of me.”

Wainwright, who has previously represented the England Performance Programme and Lions, was primarily used as a limited-overs player at Yorkshire, playing in 51 List A matches and 26 Twenty20s.

However, Wainwright did show glimpses of his all-round potential when given the chance in first-class cricket, scoring two centuries and claiming two five-wicket hauls in 35 matches, and strongly believes he has the talent to prosper with bat and ball under Krikken’s guidance.

“I’ve not had that many opportunities in the one-dayers but I definitely see myself as a four-day batsman,” he added.

Wainwright is also keen to impress with his batting and strongly believes he has the ability to become a "four-day batsman"

“At least there is more scope here, I’ve spoken to Karl. It’s not like I’m coming here to say ‘I want to bat this place, I want to bat that place’.

“I want there to be room for improvement so if I do keep getting runs, I can move up the batting order, which I didn't get chance to do at Yorkshire because the batting order is set in stone.”

The left-armer's arrival at the County Ground strengthens the spin-bowling options at captain Luke Sutton’s disposal, with the likes of England Under-19 duo Tom Knight and Peter Burgoyne as well as Jake Needham and the more experienced pair of Chesney Hughes and Wes Durston on the club’s books.

Despite the strong competition for places, Wainwright insists he is relishing the challenge of linking up with his fellow spinners.

“It’s always good to be working with younger players,” he said.

“I can pass on some advice I have learnt over the years and I’m sure they will give me some! I’m looking forward to it.”

Despite a disappointing Friends Life t20 campaign last season, Derbyshire improved in other formats, finishing mid-table in the championship and a lofty third in the Clydesdale Bank 40.

Wainwright is confident his new outfit can build on the progress made last term, with promotion in the longest format a realistic possibility.

“They have always been a strong one-day side so I don't see any reason why that will change,” he said.

“They had a good push in the second division last year so if we keep improving on that, it will be a bonus. We will give it a big push to try and get into Division One.”

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