Martin Guptill: Derbyshire re-sign New Zealand batsman

Martin Guptill scored 1,131 first-class runs at an average of 43.50 during his Derbyshire career to date

Derbyshire have re-signed batsman Martin Guptill as their overseas player for the early part of the 2015 season.

The 28-year-old New Zealander played for the club in the 2011 and 2012 seasons and will return for the opening six Championship matches and first three T20 Blast fixtures of next term.

Guptill told the club website: "I always wanted to go back to Derbyshire when the time was right.

"I get on great with the people and have lots of really good memories."

Guptill, who is part of the New Zealand squad for the World Cup, scored 1,131 first-class runs at an average of 43.50, including three centuries, during his time with Derbyshire.

And he was a member of the side that won the Division Two County Championship in 2012.

"Hopefully I can help my county make a quick start to the season to get them in the promotion mix again, and get the lads off to a flier in the T20 Blast," he added.