Derbyshire have signed James Hopes, the Queensland allrounder, as their second overseas player for the 2007 season. He has played nine one-day internationals but is not involved in the current Australian squad preparing for the Champions Trophy.

Hopes will join Travis Birt, the Tasmanian batsman, at the County Ground and is a replacement for Michael di Venuto, whose services were not retained after the 2006 season.

Hopes told the Derbyshire website: “I have always wanted to play county cricket and I am delighted to have signed for Derbyshire. I am looking forward to making a big contribution with both bat and ball and hopefully some big performances in England will do my international career no harm.

David Houghton, the director of cricket, added: “We have managed to capture one of the best allrounders in Australian cricket, a player who has forced his way into the best side in the world in the last 12 months, James will be a great addition to our side.

“He has the priceless ability of being able to win matches with both the bat and the ball and will bring a great balance to our team in all formats of the game.”