Moore signs deal with Derbyshire

Stephen Moore, the top-order batsman released by Lancashire at the end of last season, has found an opportunity to continue his county career by signing a two-year deal with Derbyshire.

Moore, 33, is an experienced campaigner having begun his career with Worcestershire in 2003 before moving to Old Trafford in 2010. He was a key member of the Championship winning side in 2011, scoring over 1,000 first-class runs.

That was the fourth time Moore has past 1,000 first-class runs in a season but his form nosedived in 2012 with an average of just 16.50 in 13 matches. Last season he played in only two red-ball matches, prompting his release.

For Derbyshire, Moore will add experience to a batting line up that failed on too many occasions last season and severely hindered their chance of staying in Division One of the County Championship.

"We are delighted to have secured Stephen for the next two seasons," Derbyshire captain Wayne Madsen, who was instrumental in discussions with Moore, said. "He's an experienced batsman who can have an impact in all formats and will give us valuable options as we push for success in all three domestic competitions.

"We have a number of talented young cricketers at the club already and working with a player of Stephen's quality and experience will help both their batting and their general approach to the game."

Moore said he was impressed with Derbyshire's plans under their new elite cricket performance model: "I'm really looking forward to the opportunity of being part of the set-up at Derbyshire.

"The elite cricket performance model shows the ambitions of the club and I'm keen to play my part in Derbyshire's future success. As well as contributing with the bat, I'm looking forward to making a positive contribution as a senior player in the dressing room."