Madsen extends Derbyshire contract

Derbyshire have received a fillip ahead of their return to Division Two of the Championship next season with the news that captain and leading batsman Wayne Madsen has signed a contract extension that will keep him at the club for another three years.

Madsen had attracted interest from other counties after finishing the 2013 season as the second leading run-scorer in Division One, despite Derbyshire's relegation. He was the first batsman to pass 1000 runs in the Championship and ended the season with a clutch of awards, including the Cricket Writers' Club County Player of the Year and the inaugural CMJ Spirit of Cricket Award.

The 29-year-old, who was born in South Africa, has been with Derbyshire since 2009. He led them to promotion and the Division Two title in his first season as captain and almost marshalled an unlikely escape this year, as Derbyshire went into the final round with hopes of survival intact.

"I'm proud to have signed a new contract with Derbyshire," Madsen said. "I've thoroughly enjoyed my five years here so far. It's a fantastic club with great ambition. We've taken great strides over the past couple of seasons and I believe we can continue to make progress and hopefully compete for titles on all fronts."

Derbyshire have had to tighten their belts since relegation was confirmed, with Dave Houghton leaving his post as batting consultant, but they have retained pace bowler Mark Footitt, while overseas player Shivnarine Chanderpaul will return for the second year of his contract in 2014. Former Nottinghamshire batsman Scott Elstone has also joined, while Ben Slater has been offered a one-year deal after initially being told the club could not afford to.

Madsen was under contract until 2015 but Derbyshire's head coach, Karl Krikken, was understandably pleased to have secured a further commitment.

"Wayne enjoyed a magnificent campaign last season and we're delighted to have him here for the foreseeable future," Krikken said. "As well as tremendous performances with the bat, Wayne led the side really well as we tackled Division One for the first time. To be the first player to 1000 runs, plus all the other accolades, was a real bonus to Wayne and the club.

"Other clubs wanted him, of course they did, but it's important to keep hold of our top players if we want to push to win trophies. I'm delighted we've been able to do this with Wayne."