George Scrimshaw joins Northants on a three-year contract

George Scrimshaw, the England Lions fast bowler, has signed a three-year contract with Northamptonshire after turning down an extension with Derbyshire.

Scrimshaw, 25, was called up by the Lions last summer after impressing for Derbyshire in the Blast, and took 20 wickets for them in the competition last year. Derbyshire said in a statement that Scrimshaw had turned down a "significantly improved" contract offer.

"I'm very excited to be joining up with such a talented squad in all forms of the game." Scrimshaw said. "From an outsider playing against Northamptonshire, you know the skill and the standard of the players is high.

"It's a ground I've always liked bowling at in the short form of the game and it's an exciting squad to be part of.

"I will forever be grateful for my time at Derbyshire. Of course, this wasn't an easy decision and I've loved my time at the Club and the successes I've had here, but I feel now is the time to take on a new challenge."

John Sadler, the Northants coach, said: "I'm really pleased George chose to join us." Sadler said. "He has extra height and will bring pace and bounce to our bowling attack across all formats.

"He's a proven performer in T20 and has bowled very well against us many times in recent seasons." Sadler added. "He's a match winner and I see him having a major impact in both red and white ball cricket for years to come. He's a great signing for us."

Mickey Arthur, Derbyshire's head of cricket, said: "George is a very talented fast bowler and someone we had hoped to keep, but unfortunately, he has chosen to go elsewhere and we wish him the best for the future.

"It's never easy losing first-team players, but as we are seeing across the county game, there are moves happening all over the country and we will continue to give ourselves the best possible chance to compete in 2024."