Tom Poynton

Derbyshire placed faith in academy product Poynton by making him first-choice wicketkeeper following the retirement of Luke Sutton in 2011.

The youngster duly grasped the opportunity and demonstrated continued improvement with the bat throughout 2012.

This was illustrated by a record-breaking ninth-wicket partnership of 261 with skipper Wayne Madsen against Northamptonshire that saw Poynton compile his maiden first-class hundred.

However, the permanent arrival of Richard Johnson, who impressed during a loan spell while Poynton was injured, ensured there would be greater competition to deal with on Derbyshire's return to Division One of the LV= County Championship.