Derbyshire’s Nathan Rimmington plots how to get the better of England star Ben Stokes in T20 Blast against Durham

The 32-year-old Australian seamer is a team mate of the England all-rounder for the Melbourne Renegades but they will be on opposite sides in the North Group match at the 3aaa County Ground.

Stokes has been cleared by England to play for the Durham Jets and has a good T20 record against the Derbyshire Falcons.

But Rimmington has earned a reputation as a specialist bowler in the shortest form of the game and is looking forward to going up against Stokes.

“I’ve bowled a bit to him in the nets with the Renegades in the Big Bash so hopefully I can use my knowledge as to how he goes about his business,” Rimmington said.

“It would be good to go up against him because it’s always good to go up against top players.”

Derbyshire’s latest overseas recruit will be looking to make an impact on his debut after a finger injury ruled him out of the first three games.

“It’s been very frustrating because I came over here early to get some cricket under my belt so I could hit the tournament running so to break a finger was very disappointing but it’s all healed up now and I’m ready to go.

“I would have liked a bit more cricket under my belt but unfortunately these injuries happen but I’m really excited at the prospect of playing my first game. I’ve been around for two months so I’ve got to know all the guys off the field although not on the field yet!

“One good thing about the tournament being spread out is that even though this has been a five-six week injury I’ve only missed three games so there are eleven games to go in the tournament and hopefully I can have an impact in those games.

Rimmington, who played in the T20 for Hampshire in 2014, comes into a Falcons team boosted by last week’s opening win in the group.

“I think Derbyshire are doing some very good things in this competition, it’s no secret that they’ve struggled in T20 cricket in the past but I think the plans I’ve seen put in place since I got here have equipped them to do really well.

“Now we have that first win on the board I think you will see the team play with a lot more freedom. Maybe they were a little bit tentative before getting that win given they didn’t do so well last season but now I think you will see some exciting cricket.”

Club captain Wayne Madsen and all-rounder Alex Hughes are still out with finger injuries.