Giles backing batsman to get back to his best after stepping down
Ian Westwood has resigned as captain of Warwickshire after two seasons in charge.
The 28-year-old batsman took over from Darren Maddy in November 2008 but has decided to relinquish the role as it was affecting his form.
He had already stopped skippering the Bears in one-day cricket this summer; Ian Bell instead leading the county to glory in the Clydesdale Bank 40.
However Westwood did steer Warwickshire to safety in Division One of the LV= County Championship, despite struggling for runs himself.
Reluctant
"Since I was a youngster it was my ambition to lead Warwickshire County Cricket Club onto the field as club captain," he told the county's website.
"To achieve this at the start of the 2009 season was a dream come true for me.
"However I feel my own performances have suffered at times during my period as skipper and I have reluctantly decided to stand down from the role."
Director of cricket Ashley Giles hopes the left-hander can get back to his best form now he only has to focus on his own game. Warwickshire are yet to make a decision over who will replace him as captain.
"Ian has made some major sacrifices whilst taking on this role and he has learnt a great deal about leadership as well as his own game," he added.
"I feel sure that in removing the pressures of captaincy from his shoulders we will benefit by seeing the best of him as a batsman in the future."
