Former England batsman Kim Barnett has signed a three year contract with Gloucestershire.

The 38 year-old left Derbyshire after a disagreement with the committee. After a break to think about his future he opted to join Gloucestershire ahead of other counties.

Barnett is hoping to reach the 30,000 runs career mark over the next few seasons. He needs 4,444 runs to make that target. If he can make this mark he will undoubtedly assist Gloucestershire in their quest for a first county championship.

The decision leaves the way open for Gloucestershire to sign a replacement for Courtney Walsh. The arrival of Barnett means that they are most likely to opt for bowling all-rounder Ian Harvey ahead of Shaun Young.

• Matt Windows played for England 'A' in their latest one day matches against Zimbabwe 'A' after being dropped for the second unofficial test. He made 28 and 19 in the two matches, which England 'A' won ,before being run out both times.
• Gloucestershire wicketkeeper Jack Russell MBE was awarded a Master of Arts honorary degree from the University of Bristol.