Head of Cricket, Mickey Arthur, says Tom Wood can still play a big role for Derbyshire this season, as the batter returns to professional cricket following a six-month ban.
Wood, 28, returned to Second XI cricket last week at Chesterfield, having served a six-month ban after a medical screening highlighted the prescribed use of a controlled substance.
The home-grown player, who last season scored Derbyshire’s fastest-ever List A century with a destructive innings against Nottinghamshire at The Incora County Ground, worked briefly with Arthur when the coach was first appointed as Head of Cricket, but was unable to take part in the bulk of pre-season training.
Arthur says the Club have stood by Wood throughout the process, and he is now looking forward to working with the batter once again in the second half of the season.
“It’s been a really difficult time for Tom, he was very much part of our plans for this season and he still can be now he is back and available,” said Arthur.
“It’s always tough when it happens to one of the players, but we’ve supported Tom and I’ve spoken to him a few times, we’ve tried to keep him in the loop but he couldn’t train with us or be part of the setup. We’ve given him the support that he’s needed, and I hope he comes back better and stronger.
“When I arrived, Tom was still part of the group, because there hadn’t been any decision made, so I saw him start pre-season and I was very impressed with him.
“Tom trains hard, he’s fit and strong, he’s got a very good technique and hits the ball incredibly hard. I was excited about him, particularly around white ball cricket, he would have played a big role this season, he could have gone up top or been a finisher for us. He’s still got that opportunity in the Royal London Cup and he’s also working on his red ball technique, so I’m looking forward to seeing him back in training.”
