Derbyshire coach sacked during match

John Morris has been sacked as Derbyshire's head of cricket midway through their current Championship match against Essex. Andy Brown, his assistant, has also been told his services are no longer required.

Morris's contract was due to expire at the end of September and Brown's at the end of December but the pair's departure is immediate, to the extent that they won't see out the final two days of a Championship game that Derbyshire are well-placed to win.

Derbyshire have only won one of their first four Championship games but are top of Group A in the Clydesdale Bank 40 after three wins. Luke Sutton, the captain, will take charge of the team along with academy director Karl Krikken, bowling coach Steffan Jones and committee member Tony Borrington.

"After careful consideration, it has been decided not to renew their contracts and both will be released from performing their duties immediately," Chris Grant, the club chairman, said. "The positions of lead physiotherapist James Pipe, strength and conditioning coach Luke Storey and Second XI coach AJ Harris are unaffected.

"I would like to thank both John and Andy for their efforts while they have been employed by Derbyshire and wish them the very best in their future endeavours."