Jefferson moves to Leicestershire

Two miserable seasons with the bat meant Will Jefferson was released by Nottinghamshire earlier this month

Leicestershire have signed the former Nottinghamshire and Essex batsman Will Jefferson on a one-year deal.

The 29-year-old opening batsman, who has scored 12 first-class centuries with a highest of 222, left Trent Bridge at the end of the 2009 season.

Leicestershire chief executive David Smith said: “He is the type of player who will bat well at Grace Road. I think he is up for the challenge.

“He likes what we are trying to do here in producing young, England-qualified players. I was keen to get a senior opener, and Will has still got his best cricketing years ahead of him.”

Veteran left-arm spinner Claude Henderson has also agreed a new two-year contract at Grace Road, after being granted British residency.

The 37-year-old South African is one of the county’s longest-serving players, having joined the Foxes in 2004.

Smith said: “We are pleased that Claude will be returning next season. His experience will be crucial.”

But Leicestershire have also announced that their captain last season, Boeta Dippenaar, will not return for a third season at the county.

The former South Africa batsman initially joined as an overseas player before registering on a Kolpak deal, taking the captaincy from Paul Nixon midway through the season.

Smith added: “We fully understand Boeta's decision. We are aware that he and his wife wanted to have their first child at home.

“We thank Boeta for his contribution to Leicestershire cricket and wish the couple all the very best for the future.”