Mitchell Santner signs for Derbyshire ahead of 2018 season

What's the story?

English county Derbyshire have added a feather to their cap, securing the services of New Zealand international all-rounder Mitchell Santner for the second half of the 2018 domestic season.

The 26-year-old will join the side for the entire T20 Blast and the second half of their Championship campaign.

In case you didn't know...

Santner turned out for Worcestershire the past two editions, pitching in with 13 wickets and 239 runs in the shortest format in 2017, having missed the 2016 season after injuring his finger on debut.

Derbyshire had a torrid time of it in 2017 though, spending most of the county season near the bottom of the Division 2 table, eventually ending just above Durham and Leicestershire.

They did show a vast improvement in the T20 Blast, falling to Hampshire in the quarter-finals.

The heart of the matter

"We're delighted to secure Mitchell for the second half of the 2018 season," stated Derbyshire's cricket advisor, Kim Barnett.

"He has been producing some of the best cricket of his career across all forms for New Zealand over the last few months, and is now recognised as the world's number one T20 bowler. Mitchell is also an exceptional fielder and provides a quality batting option down the order," he added.

What's next?

Santner is currently part of the New Zealand set-up involved in the Trans-Tasmanian tri-series. Post that, New Zealand are set to host England after which Santner will head to India for the IPL.

Author's take

A street-smart cricketer who knows his game inside out, Santner is a smart buy for Derbyshire, having proved his worth during the World T20 a couple of years back, and subsequent tours with the Kiwis that followed.

Part of the Chennai Super Kings for his debut IPL season this year, Santner can be a crucial element in any form of the game due to his accurate bowling style, useful batting, as well as the additional edge in sharp fielding.