Conners signs one-year extension

Sam Conners has signed a one-year contract extension with Derbyshire, keeping him at The Incora County Ground until the end of the 2023 season.  

Conners, who had a year remaining on his current contract, has penned the extension after showing real development in this season’s LV= County Championship, where he has claimed 19 wickets at an average of 26.15, including best figures of 5-83.

Having come through the Cricket Derbyshire Academy, in partnership with the University of Derby, the 22-year-old is one of six homegrown prospects to feature for the club this season, from the experienced Alex Hughes to the youthful Mitch Wagstaff.

Despite injury ruling him out of all white ball cricket in 2021, Conners could return to feature in the final four first-class fixtures of the campaign, where he will be looking to cap off his breakthrough season in the red ball game.

Head of Cricket, Dave Houghton, said: “We have a good crop of young bowlers and Sam has made excellent progress this season. We know we can trust him with the new ball and he’s developed a really important knack for taking early wickets.

“He should be an example for all of our Academy players coming through, because Sam has worked hard on his game and is now a key member of our squad. We’re looking forward to seeing him back out on the field before the end of the season.”

Conners added: “Coming through the ranks at this club and now being in the first team made this an easy decision to extend my contract. The experience I’ve gained over the last few seasons has really helped me to grow as a bowler.

“Obviously, it’s been tough missing out on so much of the season with injury, but I’m really excited to get back out there and pick up wickets for the team and hopefully contribute to some wins.”