Friend last played for Zimbabwe in March this year

Derbyshire have signed Travis Friend, one of the 15 rebels who were at war with Zimbabwe Cricket over the sacking of former skipper Heath Streak.

All-rounder Friend has agreed to a one-year deal but will not be an overseas player under the Kolpak ruling relating to workers' rights for EU associates.

"I'm looking forward to working with Dave Houghton and the rest of the team.

"I am grateful to Derbyshire for the opportunity to continue with my first-class career," Friend, 23, said.

Friend played in 13 Tests and 51 one-dayers before falling out with ZC this year.

THE KOLPAK RULING Any citizen of a country that has an associate agreement with the EU is now granted the same rights as a European worker

Houghton was pleased to acquire Friend, who has been plying his trade playing grade cricket for South Sydney District in Australia recently.

"It was my intention to increase the team's bowling stocks and I feel I've done that now," Houghton told BBC Sport.

"I've now got four or five good, young bowlers for next season, and though Travis can bat and field very well we wanted him primarily for his bowling.

"Travis is a very talented cricketer who through unfortunate circumstances in his own country is now unable to play for Zimbabwe and their loss is definitely our gain."