Chappell commits future to Derbyshire

Zak Chappell is the latest player to commit his future to Derbyshire and I am sure that everyone is delighted with that. He has signed a three-year deal until the end of 2028.

At 29, he is probably committing his peak years to the club and will undoubtedly reinforce his position as one of the attack leaders. 

I suspect that he will benefit from a new voice in his ear as bowling coach and will go into 2026 with fresh enthusiasm, especially if he can get the support of a quality overseas bowler to work alongside.

When Zak came to the club in 2022, I was sure that we had landed a seam bowler of talent, but also a useful tail end bat. In the intervening period he has become, in my opinion, a genuine all-rounder. Last season he again played some important, punishing innings while being one of the few bowlers to get through the summer largely unscathed, playing all of the red ball matches and missing few white ones. That is far from an easy thing to do and speaks volumes for his fitness, as well as a well-grooved, repeatable action.

I expect him to be back to his best in 2026 and if others progress, to take their part in a keen seam attack, it will be very much to the side's benefit.

More great news. Let's hope that it keeps coming.

I also applaud the club in securing the futures of players whose availability would undoubtedly interest other counties. Gloucestershire slipped up badly in allowing too many contracts to expire at the same time and basically have to replace their attack for 2026.

Mickey Arthur has been canny in this regard and deserves credit. Zak follows Martin Andersson, Nick Potts, Ben Aitchison, Joe Hawkins and Yousaf Bin Naeem in committing his future to the club this winter.