JOE LEACH has been appointed Worcestershire County Cricket Club’s new captain.
The all-rounder, who has been the club’s vice-captain for the past 12 months, has taken over the position from skipper Daryl Mitchell who spent six years in charge.
The 25-year-old has enjoyed a great season, finishing as leading wicket-taker in Division Two of the Specsavers County Championship with 65 victims and scoring neary 600 runs.
Worcestershire Director of Cricket Steve Rhodes said: “I am looking forward to enjoying a good working relationship with Joe.
“He has had an exceptional season. He was already vice-captain and has got key attributes which will help with captaining the side.”
Leach said: “It is a great honour to be made captain and a great opportunity to take on a young improving squad.
“Hopefully we will go from strength to strength as a squad over the next few years.
“I would like to pay tribute to Daryl who has done a fantastic job, got us two promotions and to quarter-finals, and I look forward to working with him as a senior player.”
In an open letter released on his Twitter account, Mitchell revealed he was devastated to be axed as skipper and said it was the ‘most difficult’ decision he had to deal with during his professional career.
His statement reads: “Being sacked on Monday morning came as devastating news to me. I am bitterly disappointed and left deeply hurt by the decision.
“I informed the players and staff last night (Tuesday) and their messages of support have been overwhelming. Knowing my team mates share the shock and disappointment is of great comfort to me.”
Mitchell added he was looking forward to leading the team next season after a difficult year for him on and off the field appeared to be over.
“2016 has been a difficult year for me with a lot on my plate off the field, poor form with the bat in the early part of the season and if I’m honest I haven’t been at my best as captain in certain parts of the year,” he added.
“I did feel things had turned the corner I finished the season well and after a freshen up over the winter I was looking forward to to leading the team in 2017. Unfortunately this was not to be.
“I was given the opportunity to resign but I felt it important everyone knew the truth and the one thing I certainly am not is a quitter.
“Although I disagree with the decision, I do fullly respect it and know it has been made with the very best intentions for Worcestershire CCC moving forward.
“I would like to thank Steve Rhodes for giving me the opportunity to fulfil a childhood dream of becoming captain for Worcestershire CCC.
“I guess like all dreams you have to wake up at some point.”