Derbyshire have signed Australian all-rounder, Hayden Kerr, until September.
Kerr, 25, will be available for all formats and will come into the Vitality Blast after a breakout Big Bash 2021/22 performance, finishing as the second-highest wicket-taker with 25 at an average of 15.
The all-rounder has a T20 high-score of 98 not out, which he scored in the challenger (semi-final) against Adelaide Strikers to reach the 2021/22 Big Bash final.
A left-arm quick, Kerr was named the Sixers’ Player of the Tournament, and his exploits across all-formats have been impressive throughout his career so far.
He has scored two half-centuries and claimed eight wickets at an average of 29.12 in his four first-class appearances for New South Wales, as well as a further six List A wickets at 17.16.
He arrives as a replacement for Suranga Lakmal, who has been ruled-out for the remainder of the season with an elbow injury, and will arrive in time for Derbyshire Falcons’ opening Vitality Blast fixture against Birmingham Bears on Friday 27 May.
Head of Cricket, Mickey Arthur, said: “It’s never nice to lose a player, and Suranga has made a positive start to his Derbyshire career, but we’ve moved quickly to sign a strong overseas player for all formats.
“Hayden is a very promising talent who has ability with bat and ball that will complement our squad. His season in the Big Bash was fantastic and he will be a huge asset for us in the upcoming Vitality Blast, and beyond.”
Kerr added: “This is a really exciting move for me. Playing in England is an ambition of mine and the chance to do it in all formats is something I’m really looking forward to.
“There’s a really good coaching setup at Derbyshire, working with Mickey Arthur, Ajmal Shahzad and Ian Bell will really help my development, as well as the chance to learn from the more experienced players in the squad.
“I’m coming off a positive season with the Sydney Sixers, and hopefully I can keep that going and win some games for Derbyshire.”
We’re looking forward to welcoming supporters back to The Incora County Ground this summer and our Blast Pass will put you at the heart of the action.
Buying a Vitality Blast pass for 2022 now will secure your place at every home group game next summer. You will be able to see every ball as the most explosive form of cricket returns to Derbyshire in 2022 for just £89, a saving of over 30%.
With a formidable top-order, backed up by an exciting crop of bowlers, the Falcons are ready to go again in 2022.
