Rutherford agrees to return to Derbyshire in 2016

The opening batsman has featured for the county in 14 fixtures across all formats this season scoring 677 runs at an average of over 40. Rutherford will be available for the entire 2016 season, subject to any commitments with New Zealand and all necessary approvals.

Rutherford has appeared in four first-class fixtures for Derbyshire hitting 287 runs at an average of 41, with a top score of 108 versus Glamorgan at Chesterfield in July.

The 26-year-old has also impressed in the limited overs formats for the county, scoring 181 runs in three List A games at an average of 60.33 and a high score of 110, plus 209 runs in seven Twenty20 matches at a strike rate of 145.

He will, however, miss his final two games with the county this summer versus Northamptonshire today and Surrey on Sunday due to injury.

His overseas replacement, Sri Lanka batting all-rounder Tillakaratne Dilshan, is scheduled to arrive back in UK and be available for the home Royal London One-Day Cup fixture versus Leicestershire on Tuesday.

Rutherford said: “I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my spell with Derbyshire this summer and I’m delighted to get the opportunity to return in 2016.

“The guys in the dressing room have been fantastic. It’s a young squad but there is a lot of talent here and I look forward to returning as we strive for success across all forms next summer.”

Elite Performance Director, Graeme Welch added: “We’re delighted to secure Hamish for the entire 2016 campaign.

“He’s been outstanding at the top of the order since joining us in June and been a great influence on the younger guys in the dressing room.

“To have Hamish on board for the whole summer provides us with stability at the top of the order as we start to plan our strategy for success across all formats in 2016.”