Derbyshire great Wayne Madsen extends contract to take him past 40th birthday

Madsen, who played field hockey for South Africa before joining Derbyshire, is second on the club's all-time run-scoring list

Derbyshire great Wayne Madsen has signed a two-year contract extension with the county that will take him past 40 years of age.

Madsen, who played field hockey for South Africa before joining Derbyshire, is second on the club's all-time run-scoring list.

He equalled the world record for the most consecutive half centuries in T20 cricket in 2023, a year after being the leading run-scorer in the County Championship, and averaged 45.82 in first-class cricket this summer.

"Derbyshire is home to my family and we love living here," said Madsen. "My entire county career has been here and I’ve made so many great memories. It's a really exciting time to be a Derbyshire player, you only have to look at the players we're bringing in and the coaching structure we've got."

Madsen's new deal is the latest major move of a busy winter for Derbyshire, who last week confirmed the return of Ross Whiteley – a former teammate of Madsen from the allrounder's first stint at the club – from Hampshire.

^{Madsen is second in Derbyshire's all-time run-scoring stakes (David Rogers/Getty Images)}

Whiteley followed the signings of Mohammad Amir, Pat Brown, David Lloyd, Samit Patel and Aneurin Donald this winter. Madsen's renewal, though, ensures a constant amid the changing times under Mickey Arthur. He was captain when Whiteley hit the winning runs to win Division Two for Derbyshire in 2012.

Arthur described Madsen as "one of the finest players in the county game" and lauded his "work ethic, fitness and ability", with the right-hander turning 40 in January. Later in the same month, he is set to make his SA20 debut after being signed up by Joburg Super Kings.

"His ability on the field speaks for itself, but Wayne also brings a great energy, experience and will to win into our dressing room," added Arthur. "He has a great relationship with the members and those are values you just can't replace easily."

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