Chris Rogers joins Derbyshire

Chris Rogers, the 26-year-old Western Australia batsman, has joined Derbyshire for the 2004 season, as a replacement for Michael di Venuto, who has had to undergo an operation to cure a troublesome back injury.

Rogers, who will join up with the squad in early April, was one of the stars of Western Australia's recent season, averaging 51.68 in their Pura Cup campaign. "Chris has a proven record in first-class cricket," said David Houghton, Derbyshire's director of cricket.

"I am looking forward to the challenge of playing county cricket for Derbyshire," said Rogers, "and playing on English wickets."