McDermott commits to Derbyshire


Australia wicketkeeper-batsman Ben McDermott will join Derbyshire for the 2021 Vitality Blast and Royal London Cup.

The 25-year-old was initially set to compete in the 2020 campaign, but the club acted quickly to defer his deal until 2021 amidst the coronavirus pandemic.

He has now signed for all limited overs cricket next summer and, subject to final approvals, will bolster a strong Falcons’ batting line-up which already features the likes of Billy Godleman, Luis Reece, Wayne Madsen and Leus du Plooy.

Born in Queensland, McDermott has appeared in 12 Twenty20 matches for Australia and has cultivated a reputation as a powerful striker in the Big Bash for Brisbane Heat, Melbourne Renegades and most recently with Hobart Hurricanes.

Averaging a shade under 30, McDermott has scored 1,258 T20 runs at a strike rate of 128, including four half-centuries and one century – a career-best 114 off just 52 balls with nine sixes and eight fours.

Equally adept with the gloves, he has taken 46 catches and claimed two stumpings in white ball cricket, while he has scored three List A centuries and averages 49.26 in the format.

Head of Cricket, Dave Houghton, said: “Ben is a really exciting talent and we’re pleased to have
him signed up for 2021. “He has the quality to be a real asset in the white ball formats, not only with the bat but with the gloves too, and that’s another key addition for our squad depth.

“He’s a player with international experience, and his form in the Big Bash over the years has shown just what an important player he can be. We’re looking forward to seeing what he produces for us.”

McDermott added: “It’s been a longer wait than anybody would have liked but I’m pleased to be able to say I’ll be joining Derbyshire next year.

“I’m really looking forward to meeting all of the lads, getting out onto the field and hopefully showing the supporters what I can do.”