Alex Hughes will move into the role of Analyst & Support Coach ahead of the 2023 season, after an 11-year professional playing career with Derbyshire.
Hughes, a graduate of the Cricket Derbyshire Academy, in partnership with the University of Derby, made his debut for the Club in 2011 in a T20 against Yorkshire, and would go on to become Derbyshire’s all-time leading wicket-taker in the format with 60 dismissals.
An all-rounder who contributed across all-formats for more than a decade, Hughes scored six first-class centuries on his way to 3,483 runs, while his exploits with bat and ball were key in the 2019 Vitality Blast campaign, culminating in Hughes scoring the winning runs as Derbyshire reached Finals Day for the first time.
He received his County Cap and was named Derbyshire’s Player of the Year in 2017, having made more than 800 County Championship runs and averaging more than 50 in List A cricket, as well as helping the Falcons to the Vitality Blast quarter-finals.
Hughes will now use his experience to help guide Derbyshire’s developing talents in the Second XI, while assisting as part of Mickey Arthur’s coaching staff.
Head of Cricket, Arthur, said: “Alex has been a top professional for Derbyshire and has had a great career – he should rightly be commended on his longevity with the county.
“He now becomes a key part of our coaching setup ahead of next season, helping along our younger players with the insight of being a recent player.”
Hughes added: “I have made the decision to call time on my cricket career with immediate effect. I have lived a true childhood dream in playing professional cricket and representing Derbyshire for the last 15 years, including my time with the Academy.
“To my teammates, I have shared so many amazing experiences with you that I will never forget, and I have made lifelong friends in the process. Thank you all, but in particular the support, guidance and loyalty from Wayne Madsen and Billy Godleman.
“A special thank you to my family and my wife Emily who have been my biggest supporters through both good and bad times. Without them I couldn’t have achieved what I have.
“Finally, to the Members and supporters at Derbyshire. I hope that one thing I have given in my time at the Club is my utmost effort and determination on the field. You have always shown me love and respect and your loyalty to me and the Club is something that will never be overlooked by me or the players and staff who will always be there.
“Although my playing career has come to an end it fills me with immense excitement to announce that I will be starting the next phase of my life on the coaching staff at Derbyshire. It has always been my dream to win competitions and now I must add as much value as I can to the team in order for the players to achieve that.
“It is such an exciting time to be involved with Derbyshire under Mickey [Arthur] and the coaching team. There is no better place to learn, and I am very grateful for this opportunity. I can’t wait to see what this amazing group is capable of.”
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