Derbyshire captain is set to relocate south following an agreement to stay at Lord’s until 2028.
Batter Leus du Plooy was named Derbyshire captain across all formats for the 2023 campaign
Leus du Plooy, Derbyshire’s captain, is set to leave Derbyshire towards the end of the season after he signed a five-year deal with Middlesex.
According to ESPNcricinfo, Middlesex was at the top of the line to acquire du Plooy, who had received an offer of a contract extension from Derbyshire but had chosen to transfer to London after five seasons in the county in the Midlands.
Du Plooy is averaging 98.10 during his participation in the County Championship this season, having scored 981 runs and three centuries. Du Plooy only became captain in 2012, when Billy Godleman’s departure and, despite his performance, Derbyshire remain in last place in Division Two. As part of the Blast, the team were just a hair short of the quarter-finals after losing at the end of their group.
The player was born in South Africa but is eligible as a non-overseas player due to their Hungarian passport and an already settled status within the UK; du Plooy has developed a solid record across different formats.
He has won contracts with the Hundred, Welsh Fire and Southern Brave and also acquitted himself well at Joburg Super Kings’ SA20 with the Joburg Super Kings.
“We are extremely pleased we are thrilled that Leus will be joining Middlesex Cricket and are thrilled about the potential he’ll contribute to the team,” Middlesex’s director of cricket, Alan Coleman, said. “Leus is a cricketer who we have admired for many years, and we are confident that he can be a significant asset to our team across all aspects of the sport.
“The fact that Middlesex was among the counties that were chasing his signature and his deal with Derbyshire expiring this year is a testament not just to his skills as a player but also to his character as a person, and we’re so happy that he’s headed to Lord’s. He’s the kind of player and person that can bring so much value to the dressing rooms of our club.
“The reality that he’s the Southern Brave’s highest-priced domestic signing of the year, in the Hundred category, and within the highest value category of players, shows how an elite striker on the ball is and is an enormous boost for our T20 squad, as also our red-ball players.
“We cannot wait to welcome Leus into Lord’s, and we look at him having his long and rewarding time with us. Leus will be a major element in what we’re trying to accomplish with us at Middlesex.”
In the first-class game, Plooy’s average for first-class cricket is 47.17. He has scored 18 hundred. Du Plooy scored over 2500 runs playing T20 with an average of 133.50.
“I’m truly honoured and eager to start this new phase with Middlesex Cricket,” du Plooy said. “Lord’s is a unique spot to play at. It’s a dream to be able to call it home-field next year.
“I eagerly anticipate getting to know everyone, developing new connections, making memorable memories, and improving my skills with such a high-profile club.”
