Travis Friend Joins Derbyshire

Zimbabwe international Travis Friend will team up with his former coach Dave Houghton at Derbyshire after signing for the Midlands County for the 2005 season.

The all-rounder has agreed to a one-year deal but will not be an overseas player under the Kolpak ruling relating to workers' rights for EU associates.

The former Zimbabwe all-rounder had represented his country in 13 Tests and 51 ODIs before he was among the group of players to quit the Zimbabwe Cricket Union earlier this year over the race row.

"I am grateful to Derbyshire for giving me the opportunity to continue with my first-class career. I'm looking forward to working with Dave Houghton and the rest of the team at Derbyshire and hope to contribute as much as I can this coming season."

Coach Houghton, himself a former Zimbabwe international, added:"Travis is a very talented cricketer who, through unfortunate circumstances in his own country, is now unable to play for Zimbabwe and their loss is definitely our gain."

Posted by Richard