Mark Watt returns to Derbyshire

He's been signed for this year's Vitality Blast

Author: PA Sport Staff Published 4th Mar 2022

Scotland slow left-armer Mark Watt will return to Derbyshire after being signed for the entirety of this season's Vitality Blast.

The 25-year-old, whose international career has comprised of 33 one-dayers and 47 Twenty20s, took seven wickets in five matches for Derbyshire in 2019, helping the county reach Finals Day for the first time.

Watt enhanced his reputation at last year's T20 World Cup, taking seven wickets with an economy rate of just 6.13, and new Derbyshire head coach Mickey Arthur believes the spinner will bolster their ranks.

"We have been looking for a left-arm spinner to mix up our bowling in T20 and Mark ticks all of the boxes for us," Arthur said.

"Mark showed at the World Cup he has the ability to take the game to any opposition, he has done well in the Vitality Blast before for Derbyshire and I have no doubt he will be a key member of our team this year."

Watt will be available for all 14 of Derbyshire's fixtures in England's domestic T20 competition, starting against Birmingham Bears on May 27, plus any knockout matches if the club reach that far.

Watt said: "I've worked hard on my game in the last couple of years, I've tested myself against some of the best players in the world and I've been able to show what I can do.

"I want to pick up where I left off in 2019 with Derbyshire and target the knockout stages again."

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