Stylish Tasmanian left hander Michael DiVenuto has agreed to a new contract that will see him retained as Derbyshire's overseas professional for the 2002 county season. Having made a favourable impression in his two seasons at Derby, the 27-year old will also be promoted to the vice-captaincy of the northern midlands club.

Derbyshire endured a frustrating season in 2001, winning just five games in all and finding itself anchored to the bottom of Division Two in first-class and one-day competitions for the bulk of the summer. In that context, DiVenuto's return of 1,082 first-class runs at an average of 45.08 and 569 one-day runs at 31.61 was particularly meritorious.

As conjecture raged back at home about whether he would sign a new contract with Tasmania, DiVenuto started the season in especially positive style with a century against the Bradford/Leeds UCCE in a warmup fixture. A further five centuries and seven half-centuries followed, and he again showed his liking for scoring at a rapid pace.

Derbyshire also confirmed in a media release today that another Tasmanian, Chris Bassano, had signed a contract that will keep him at the club for another two seasons. Born in South Africa, and a dual citizen of Australia and England, Bassano hit twin centuries on his Championship debut in 2001 and showed great promise as a right handed upper order batsman. He has previously been a member of Tasmania's Under-19 and Second XI teams but has yet to represent the state at senior level.

© 2001 CricInfo Ltd