Canterbury's Michael Papps has quit the province after 13 seasons there and will play for Wellington in the 2011-12 domestic season. According to a report in stuff.co.nz, Papps, who has played eight Tests for New Zealand and is currently playing club cricket in the United Kingdom, approached Wellington regarding the move last month. Both provinces confirmed the move on Thursday.
An opening batsman and wicketkeeper, Papps made his first-class debut in the 1998-99 season and has since scored 7457 runs in 119 matches with 20 centuries, passing Paul McEwan to become Canterbury's top run-scorer.
Cricket Wellington chief executive Gavin Larsen said Papps would prop up their top order. "We are delighted to have signed a player of Papps' calibre," he said. "His domestic record is outstanding and he will add both experience and leadership to our top-order batting."