Derbyshire bank on Rimmington reputation

Derbyshire have signed one of the doughtiest T20 death bowlers, Nathan Rimmington, for the entire 2015 NatWest T20 Blast. The signing puts effectiveness ahead of glamour with Derbyshire convinced they have secured one of the most parsimonious bowlers in the closing overs in the T20 game.

Rimmington will variously combine with two international batsmen - New Zealand international Martin Guptill and Sri Lanka's veteran Tillakaratne Dilshan - during the campaign.

During his time with Melbourne Renegades in the Big Bash League, Rimmington, 32, has built a renowned reputation for closing out an innings with his trademark perfect yorkers gaining much attention.

In 59 Twenty20 fixtures since the Big Bash began in 2011, he has claimed 65 wickets at 21 apiece, with an economy rate of just above seven runs an over. He starred in the longer format, too, and was also named in Cricket Australia's Sheffield Shield team of the year.

Derbyshire's elite performance director, Graeme Welch, said: "Nathan brings a wealth of experience bowling at the death which will be vital as we look to progress in the NatWest T20 Blast.

"People will have watched him in the Big Bash and know the quality he will bring to the side. Not only will he be a valuable asset at the end of the innings, he will also provide us with a proven strike bowler with the new ball.

Derbyshire are trying to get Rimmington to England early so that he can warm up with some league cricket ahead of the Blast and ensure those celebrated yorkers are inch perfect from the outset.