Dustin Melton signs Derbyshire contract extension

Melton joined the club in 2019 and made himself a regular in the first team last season, taking eight wickets in the Bob Willis Trophy at an average of 29

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Derbyshire fast bowler Dustin Melton has signed a new one-year contract which will keep him at the club until at least the end of 2021.

Melton joined the club in 2019 and made himself a regular in the first team last season, taking eight wickets in the Bob Willis Trophy at an average of 29.

The 25-year-old made his Vitality Blast debut in 2020 and took four wickets in as many games.

“I’ve loved my time with Derbyshire over the last couple of seasons, so I’m delighted to be sticking with the club,” said Melton.

“The county has become my home. I’ve been made to feel so welcome in Derbyshire, the supporters have real passion for the team and that makes it such a brilliant place to play my cricket.

“I’ve had a lot of trust placed in me, to be signed as an overseas player, and I want to repay the coaches and team for that with good performances.”

The Zimbabwe-born player will play for the club as an overseas player in 2021 after changes to qualification rules. It is understood that he is working towards becoming England qualified.

He joins Australia international Ben McDermott and becomes the second overseas player for next season. Counties can register up to three non-domestic players at any one time in 2021 – however, only two can take to the field in any given fixture.

Derbyshire’s head of cricket, Dave Houghton, added: “Dustin showed real improvement last season and we’re really pleased to have him onboard again for next summer.

“Learning from the likes of Luis Reece will be a huge benefit to him and having an overseas player available to us all-year-round will add depth and quality to our squad.”

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