Derbyshire has signed New Zealand bowling all-rounder Mitchell Santner as overseas player for the second half of the 2018 season.
The 26-year-old, who is currently the world’s number one Twenty20 bowler, is due to be available for the entire Vitality Blast competition and the final seven Specsavers County Championship matches.
The slow left-arm orthodox spinner, who was Worcestershire’s leading Twenty20 wicket taker last season with 13 at an average of 26, has 78 Twenty20 wickets to his name across 77 matches.
In the 2016 ICC World T20, Santner claimed 10 wickets at an average of 11.40 and helped New Zealand reach the semi-finals, before closing the tournament with the third best bowling tally.
He has also played in 48 ODI matches for New Zealand, hitting 555 runs and taking 56 wickets, with best figures of 5-50, and featured in 17 Tests, taking 34 wickets.
Santner is also well accomplished with the bat, scoring 535 Test runs at an average of 25.47. In total, he has appeared in 41 first-class matches taking 59 wickets and scoring 1,651 runs, including two centuries.
Cricket Advisor, Kim Barnett said: “We’re delighted to secure Mitchell for the second half of the 2018 season, including for the entire Vitality Blast competition.
“He has been producing some of the best cricket of his career across all forms for New Zealand over the last few months, and is now recognised as the world’s number one T20 bowler.
“Mitchell is also an exceptional fielder and provides a quality batting option down the order. We look forward to welcoming him to Derbyshire.”
Santner added: “I’m looking forward to joining Derbyshire. It’s an ambitious Club who want to continue to progress and I hope I can play my part.”
Last chance! To celebrate the signing of all-rounder Mitchell Santner, we’re offering Club Membership for the discounted price of £149, if purchased before 21 February. Use promo code ‘Mitch149‘ online.
