Hailing from a strong cricketing family, with uncles Henry Fotheringham, Michael Madsen, Trevor Madsen and cousin Greg Fotheringham all playing first-class cricket in South Africa, Madsen made his debut in 2003 for KwaZulu-Natal cricket team.[1] In August 2009 he signed his contract with Derbyshire, following a strong run of form with two centuries in four games.[2] He captained Derbyshire for four seasons;[3] in the 2012 season, Derbyshire were promoted from County Championship Division Two to Division One.[3] Although they were relegated the following season, Madsen accumulated 1,221 runs and was named the Cricket Writers' Club Championship's Player of the Season.[3][4] After gaining UK citizenship in February 2015, Madsen announced that he hoped to represent England in the future.[5] Ahead of the 2016 season, he signed a contract extension until 2019.[6] He also stepped down as Derbyshire's County Championship captain, and was replaced by Billy Godleman.[3] In the 2017 t20 Blast, Madsen scored 526 runs, a record for a Derbyshire player in the competition.[7] Madsen later signed a contract extension with Derbyshire until 2022.[8]