Derbyshire sign Australian Ben McDermott for white-ball cricket in 2021

McDermott has scored 1,258 T20 runs at a strike rate of 128, including four half-centuries and one century – a career-best 114 off just 52 balls

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Australia wicketkeeper-batsman Ben McDermott will join Derbyshire for the Vitality Blast and Royal London Cup in 2021.

McDermott, 25, was supposed to join the club in 2020 but the coronavirus pandemic halted those plans and instead it was agreed that he would join for next season.

He has signed for all white-ball formats and will be a key part to the county’s batting line-up.

“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,” said McDermott.

“I’m really looking forward to meeting all of the lads, getting out onto the field and hopefully showing the supporters what I can do.”

Born in Queensland, McDermott has appeared in 12 T20 matches for Australia and has experience in the Big Bash, having played for Brisbane Heat, Melbourne Renegades and Hobart Hurricanes.

_{Ben McDermott has played 12 T20 matches for Australia}

McDermott has scored 1,258 T20 runs at a strike rate of 128, including four half-centuries and one century – a career-best 114 off just 52 balls. Meanwhile, in List-A cricket he has scored three centuries and averages 49.26.

With the gloves, he has taken 46 catches and claimed two stumpings in white-ball cricket.

Derbyshire’s head of cricket, Dave Houghton, added: “Ben is a really exciting talent and we’re pleased to have him signed up for 2021.

“He has the quality to be a real asset in the white ball formats, not only with the bat but with the gloves too, and that’s another key addition for our squad depth.

“He’s a player with international experience, and his form in the Big Bash over the years has shown just what an important player he can be. We’re looking forward to seeing what he produces for us.”

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