Cassar signs for Northamptonshire

Northamptonshire have confirmed the signing of all-rounder Matthew Cassar from Derbyshire on a three-year contract.

The 28-year-old, born in Sydney but English-qualified since 1997, is the latest addition to the club's playing staff as Director of Cricket Bob Carter hatches his plans for next summer's first division campaigns in the Championship and National League.

Carter said: "Obviously we're always looking to strengthen our squad and I think Matthew will be a very useful addition.

"He's an Action Man sort of character who wants to be fully involved all the time, and he knows the opportunity is there for him to get some success with Northamptonshire."

Cassar's name had been strongly linked with a possible move to Wantage Road since he rejected the offer of a new contract with Derbyshire after seven seasons with the club.

A forceful middle-order batsman and useful medium-pace bowler, he impressed at Northampton back in 1998 with a spectacular knock of 134 from only 108 balls against the Northants attack in a Sunday League contest.