Rogers leaving Derbyshire to join Middlesex

Chris Rogers, the Australian batsman, will not return to Derbyshire in 2011 after accepting an offer from Middlesex. After a short stint with the county in 2004, Rogers came back in 2008 and became one of the club's most prolific scorers, making more than 4,000 first-class runs - including 14 centuries - since his return.

Rogers, a left-handed opener, was the side's Player of the Year in 2009 and captained the team for more than two years after taking over the reins from Rikki Clarke midway through the 2008 season. Rogers stepped down in August, relinquishing the role to Greg Smith.

"Chris has been a great player, captain and ambassador for the past three years and I would like to thank him for all he has done during his time with us," John Morris, Derbyshire's head of cricket, said. "He has been a great professional and a consistent scorer of big runs. He leaves the club with our very best wishes."

Rogers said he had enjoyed the past three years with Derbyshire. "I am sad to leave as I feel I have become a part of the side here and have forged some great relationships," he said. "I wish Derbyshire all the best and I believe that under John Morris they have the squad and support to become a successful side."