Derbyshire have today confirmed the signing of New Zealand batsman Martin Guptill for the first portion of the 2015 season.
Guptill has had successful spells with the county in the past and is a firm favourite with the fans.
The 28-year-old top order batsman played for Derbyshire in 2011 and 2012 and was a big part of the successful 2012 campaign that saw the side win Division Two and promotion.
Both spells were bountiful for Guptill, as he made 1,131 First Class runs for the county at an average of 43.50.
His performances in the shorter formats were also striking. He made three List A centuries in nine matches, putting his average at over 70, and made three half centuries in his 14 T20s.
A popular figure with staff and fans alike, Guptill’s return is bound to be a welcome one.
“I always wanted to go back to Derbyshire when the time was right. I get on great with the people and have lots of really good memories” Guptill said.
“Hopefully I can help my county make a quick start to the season to get them in the promotion mix again; and get the lads off to a flier in NatWest T20 Blast.”
Since leaving Derbyshire, Guptill has had success internationally. He toured England in 2013 and finished the ODI series as the highest run scorer. His total of 330 runs in that series included a memorable 189 at the Ageas bowl.
“Martin is a proven match-winner. He’s proved it for New Zealand and he’s done it a number of times for Derbyshire too, across all three forms of the game” Elite Performance Director, Graeme Welch said.
“We hope he can repeat the form of his last spell with the Club. He’s probably an even better player now than the one that left when you look at what he did to England in 2013.”
“He’ll fit well into our dressing room and into the culture we’re building. From what I’ve heard, he was a great example as a senior pro with the Club back then and I’ll be looking for that from him again.”
Guptill will be available for Derbyshire for the first six County Championship fixtures and the opening three Natwest T20 Blast games
