Derbyshire hope Phantoms will erase past ghosts

The end has arrived for the Scorpions © Getty Images

Derbyshire are to switch the nickname of their one-day team from the Scorpions to the Phantoms.

The change was made after the county ran a competition in association with a local radio station in Derby, RAM FM. They have been called the Scorpions since counties adopted nicknames six years ago. A statement from Derbyshire said: "We wanted a name that has some direct relationship to Derbyshire and its proud history." The new name reflects Derby being the most haunted city in England, and also plays on the town's links with Rolls Royce, who manufactured the Phantom luxury car.

As the Scorpions, Derbyshire lacked almost any sting. They have won the wooden spoon three times in the last six years and only Scotland finished beneath them in 2004. Derbyshire won 30 and lost 64 one-day matches as the Scorpions and will hope for better luck as the Phantoms.