McDermott signs again after Covid held up deal
BEN McDermott will have a second attempt at being an overseas star for Derbyshire in 2021.
The Australian wicketkeeperbatsman was due to join the county for their 2020 limited overs campaign before the pandemic restricted the length of the season.
It was always Derbyshire’s intention merely to defer the contract after that and the deal has now been confirmed.
McDermott, 25, has signed for all limited overs cricket next summer and will bolster a strong-looking batting line-up.
Born in Queensland, McDermott has appeared in 12 Twenty20 matches for Australia and has cultivated a reputation as a powerful striker in his country’s T20 competition, the Big Bash, for Brisbane Heat, Melbourne Renegades and Hobart Hurricanes.
Averaging a shade under 30, he has scored 1,258 T20 runs at a strike rate of 128, including four half-centuries and a century – his114 coming from 52 balls with nine sixes and eight fours.
Equally adept with the gloves, he has taken 46 catches and claimed two stumpings in white ball cricket, while he has scored three List A centuries and averages 49.26 in that format.
“Ben is a really exciting talent and we’re pleased to have him signed
up for 2021,” said Derbyshire’s head of cricket, Dave Houghton.
“He has the quality to be a real asset in the white ball formats, not only with the bat but with the gloves, and that’s another key addition for our squad depth.
“He’s a player with international experience and his form in the Big Bash has shown just what an important player he can be.
“We’re looking forward to seeing what he produces for us.”
McDermott added: “It’s been a longer wait than anybody would have liked but I’m pleased to be able to say I’ll be joining Derbyshire next year.
“I’m really looking forward to meeting the lads, getting out on to the field and, hopefully, showing the supporters what I can do.”