Derbyshire hit by Harvey wait

County Cricket / Editor / 18 May 2007 / Leave a Comment

Derbyshire will have to wait a bit longer before they can call upon the services of Ian Harvey, as attempts to become a British citizen have been delayed.

The Australian played earlier in the season for the Midlands outfit as a temporary overseas replacement for the injured Travis Birt.

Birt is now back to full fitness and Harvey has to gain British citizenship before he can play again for the county.

A drink-driving conviction though has held up proceedings, with his nine-month driving ban meaning his application cannot yet be approved by the Home Office.

Derbyshire chief executive Tom Sears admitted: "This is obviously a setback but we are optimistic about getting it resolved.
"We did not expect it (the driving ban) to have this effect on his application and the sad irony is that if he had chosen to plead not guilty, drag the case on for a few weeks, it would not have shown on his record and his citizenship would have been approved."

Sears added: "Ian is an honest and upfront person and by admitting his mistake, showing integrity and pleading guilty he has paid an additional price."

Harvey would be a vital addition to the Derbyshire squad, as they look to gain promotion to the top division of the County Championship.

Derbyshire are among the favourites in the developing Division Two winner market, as they are currently third in the table.
Meanwhile, Harvey could be a key figure in the county's one-day campaign with Derbyshire currently trading at 9.6 to win the Pro40 Division Two.