Derbyshire sign Hayden Kerr as replacement for injured Suranga Lakmal

Derbyshire have signed 25-year-old Australian all-rounder Hayden Kerr as a full-time replacement for Suranga Lakmal, who has been ruled-out for the remainder of the 2022 season with a right elbow problem. Kerr, who rose to fame earlier in the year through his exploits in the Big Bash League for the Sydney Sixers, will be available for all formats until September.

A left-arm seamer who is more than capable with the bat, Kerr finished BBL 2021/22 as the competition’s second-highest wicket-taker, claiming 25 wickets in 17 matches. The 25-year-old’s exploits with the ball were integral to the Sixers reaching the final, but he also made a match-winning contribution with the bat in the ‘Challenger’ against Adelaide Strikers, smashing an unbeaten 98 after being promoted to open the batting.

On the back of his impressive BBL 2021/22 campaign, Kerr was handed a full-time New South Wales contract, and the left-armer also spent time with the Lucknow Super Giants in the IPL as a net-bowler.

Mickey Arthur, head coach of Derbyshire, said that he spoke to LSG head coach Andy Flower, and had no second thoughts about signing the all-rounder after he was endorsed by the former Zimbabwe cricketer.

"Hayden fits our bill," Derbyshire head coach Mickey Arthur said.

"He's just had a really good season with the Sydney Sixers in the Big Bash, he's a left-arm fast bowler who can bowl at the death as well and gives it a good whack with the bat.

"I spoke to (former England coach) Andy Flower about him, who rates him really highly, so he comes with a good endorsement because Andy is someone I respect and if he says someone is a good player, they generally are.

"He brings a whole lot to us; it will be his first time in England, and he wants to make a mark.

"That's the kind of player we want, someone who wants to come in and make a difference and prove themselves. I couldn't be happier with our new signing."

Kerr has also had an encouraging start to his red-ball career, having averaged 38.40 with the bat after four matches, while also picking 8 wickets at an average of 29.12 with the ball.