During his four seasons at Trent Bridge, highly regarded fast bowler had difficulty finding opportunities.
After his contract with Nottinghamshire expires at the end of the current campaign, fast bowler Zak Chappell will join Derbyshire.
Chappell, 25, went through the Leicestershire system and switched to Trent Bridge at the end of 2018 because he was in high demand. But in his four seasons with the team, he only made 18 appearances for Notts in all three formats, twice moving out on loan to Gloucestershire.
He played in Tuesday’s Royal London Cup debut for Nottinghamshire and will be available for selection through the end of the summer.
Mickey Arthur, the head of cricket for Derbyshire, said, “Zak is a highly good bowler and a terrific addition to our assault for all formats.” “He certainly hasn’t played as much cricket as he would have liked to recently, but he’s continued to improve and work on his game; now he has the chance to demonstrate what he can do as a member of our bowling unit.
“Signing Zak is a significant move for the club, as it increases competitiveness and excellence within our ranks for the 2023 season and beyond,” the team stated.
With Leicestershire in 2018, Chappell recorded his best first-class bowling stats of 6 for 44, although he has not been active regularly since. This year, he has collected nine Championship wickets at an average of 37.77, but he has had greater success in the Blast, where he has taken 11 wickets at an average of 7.70.
When I heard that Derbyshire was interested, I leaped at the chance to train with Mickey Arthur and Ajmal Shahzad, a premier teaching duo, said Chappell.
“Last season, I played well in all formats, and I feel that at this time, I need to play top-level cricket every week, and joining Derbyshire gives me the opportunity to achieve so.
Derbyshire is working on a big project and their team is filled with talent. I was really drawn to Mickey since it is clear where he wants to take the club.
According to Peter Moores, head coach of Nottinghamshire, Chappell’s chances at Trent Bridge were constrained by injuries and competition for positions.
Zak’s opportunities to play first-team cricket have been limited due to our bowling attack being difficult to break into during the past few of years, according to Moores, who also noted that Zak has sustained a few injuries at crucial moments. “He wants to perform frequently in all formats. We absolutely understand and accept his decision, and we hope that this transfer will provide him the chance to stay near to his East Midlands roots.
“Throughout his stay at Trent Bridge, he has maintained a good attitude toward the group. He works out frequently, has managed his time recovering from injuries with professionalism, and has handled his choice to depart in a courteous and constructive manner.
“There is still much to play for and much we can accomplish throughout the remaining games of the season, and I know Zak will give it his all. When September comes to an end, it will be time to express gratitude for his efforts and best wishes for the remainder of his career.
