Di Venuto leaves Derbyshire

Michael Di Venuto

Derbyshire opener Michael Di Venuto will not have his contract renewed and will leave the club at the end of the season.

The Australian has been with Derbyshire since 2000 but director of cricket Dave Houghton is keen to look at other options, particularly in the wake of the forthcoming reduction of overseas players in 2008.

Houghton said: “Mike has been a great player for Derbyshire cricket but I have decided that the squad would benefit from a change in overseas player for next season.

“With counties only being allowed to contract one overseas player from 2008 I need to look at our options next summer with a view to the future.

“We are in the process of building a side and with the young players we have coming through, the future is looking bright.

“I need to make sure that we have the right overseas player to compliment those young players as they progress as well as being able to make an impact immediately."