Melton signs for 2021 season

Fast bowler Dustin Melton has signed a new one-year contract which will keep him at The Incora County Ground in 2021.

Melton joined the club in 2019 and developed into a regular member of the bowling attack during the 2020 season, going on to take eight wickets in the Bob Willis Trophy at an average of 29, including best figures of 4-22.

The 25-year-old also made his Vitality Blast debut for the Falcons in 2020, taking four wickets in as many games and playing a key role in the final-over victory against Leicestershire Foxes.

Zimbabwe-born Melton will return as an overseas player, following changes to qualification rules from January 2021, as he works towards becoming England qualified.

He joins Australia international Ben McDermott in committing to next summer, with counties able to register up to three non-domestic qualified players at any one time during 2021 and any two eligible to take the field in each fixture.

Head of Cricket, Dave Houghton, said: “Dustin showed real improvement last season and we’re really pleased to have him onboard again for next summer.

“Learning from the likes of Luis Reece will be a huge benefit to him and having an overseas player available to us all-year-round will add depth and quality to our squad.”

Melton added: “I’ve loved my time with Derbyshire over the last couple of seasons, so I’m delighted to be sticking with the club.

“The county has become my home, I’ve been made to feel so welcome in Derbyshire, the supporters have real passion for the team and that makes it such a brilliant place to play my cricket.

“I’ve had a lot of trust placed in me, to be signed as an overseas player, and I want to repay the coaches and team for that with good performances.”

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