Burton bowler George is signed on

GEORGE Scrimshaw, not so long since regarded as one of England’s brightest fastbowling prospects, has joined Derbyshire on a one-year deal.

The Burton-born 23-year-old impressed during a trial period with the club following his release by Worcestershire at the end of last season.

He joins a battery of young bowlers at the Incora County Ground, with Sam Conners, Nick Potts, Ben Aitchison and Michael Cohen backing up Australian Billy Stanlake as Derbyshire’s seam options.

At 6ft 7ins and with the ability to generate pace and bounce, Scrimshaw has all the physical assets of a good fast bowler and was taken on to the ECB’s development programme after breaking into the Worcestershire second 11 as a 17-year-old.

But the promise was never fulfilled at New Road and injuries were unquestionably one of the main reasons.

Like so many young, tall fast bowlers, his body showed the strain and Scrimshaw had shoulder and back surgery, limiting him to only four T20 matches in the first team.

But Derbyshire have taken a punt and head of cricket Dave Houghton said: “George’s potential is clear to see.

“He’s a highly-regarded bowler, but the work-rate that he’s shown in training has really impressed us too.

“He’s tall, quick and skilful with the ball and if he can find his best form this season, he will be a really useful asset to an already strong attack.

“There will be a lot of rotation with the bowlers this season, everybody will get the chance to develop and impress, George gives us another option in that regard.”

Scrimshaw added: “It’s been great to work with the players and coaches recently and I’m really pleased to have earned a contract. There’s a really strong bowling unit here and I’m looking forward to working with Ajmal Shahzad regularly.

“Hopefully, I can take my opportunities when I get them and help Derbyshire on the field. There will be a lot of competition for places, but that will only bring out the best in us all.”