Wicketkeeper Gareth Cross has played his last game for Derbyshire after being told his contract would not be renewed at the end of the season.
Teenage gloveman Harvey Hosein, an academy product who is yet to make his first-class debut, is set to replace Cross for the final two LV= County Championship matches of the season.
Cross was Derbyshire’s first choice behind the stumps this season after Tom Poynton was ruled out for the season due to injuries he suffered in a car crash on the eve of the campaign that claimed the life of his father Keith.
“Gareth stepped in at a difficult time for the club and has been a regular in all formats this season,” Derbyshire elite performance director Graeme Welch said.
Enjoyed my time at Derbyshire. Great bunch of lads. Good luck In the last two games. Now time to start a new chapter.
— gareth (@gazcross07) September 11, 2014
“He's fitted in to the team really well and we wish him all the very best for the future.
“We must now look towards the future and this is a perfect opportunity to give academy graduate Harvey Hosein, who is showing real potential, a chance.
“With Tom Poynton's rehab also progressing well, we have some promising wicketkeeping options going forward for seasons to come.”
Hosein, 18, played in Derbyshire’s tour game against India earlier this summer and is now set to make his first-class debut against Surrey next Monday.