Derbyshire name wicketkeeper Tom Poynton as T20 Blast vice-captain

Derbyshire have named Tom Poynton as vice-captain for their NatWest T20 Blast campaign this summer.

Poynton missed the whole of the 2014 season, and has mainly been playing Second XI cricket this year, after suffering a serious leg injury in a car crash last April that claimed the life of his father Keith.

The 25-year-old, who signed a new contract last month committing him to the county until the end of the 2016 season, has competed in 39 limited overs fixtures since making his debut in 2007, hitting 224 runs.

The former England U19 international has also appeared in 33 first-class fixtures for Derbyshire, scoring 941 runs with a top score of 106 and claiming 87 dismissals behind the stumps. 

Poynton has hit two centuries for the Second XI in four appearances so far this season and he will now assist T20 captain Wes Durston when they take on Yorkshire in their first game on Friday at Headingley.

Derbyshire's elite performance director Graeme Welch said: "Tom has impressed with his attitude since his return from injury and the tragic events that ended his season last April.

“He has become a leader within the side and it's a pat on the back for his professionalism. He has shown good form since his return and his influence from behind the stumps will be a terrific complement to Wes' captaincy.”