Derbyshire: David Houghton to return as head of cricket in October

David Houghton scored 1,464 runs at an average of 43.05 in 22 Tests for Zimbabwe

Derbyshire have appointed Middlesex batting coach David Houghton as their new head of cricket, a role that the Zimbabwean will take up in October.

The 61-year-old former Zimbabwe Test player has had two previous spells coaching with Derbyshire.

He will have overall responsibility for all cricket management.

Houghton will be supported by John Wright, who will assist the club in a new advisory role which will include recruitment and cricket strategy.

"David is highly respected within the game and brings a wealth of experience to the role," cricket advisory director Colin Tunnicliffe told the club website.

"David impressed us with his vision and made it clear that he wants to continue and build on the progress shown over the last couple of years."

Houghton began his county coaching career with Worcestershire in 1995, when he was still playing.

He first joined Derbyshire as coach in 2004 until the middle of the 2007 season when he resigned, before returning as batting coach from 2011 to 2013.