Wednesday 11 February 2015 11:19, UK
All-rounder Tom Smith has been named the new captain of Lancashire.
He takes over from 41-year-old Glen Chapple, who led the side to the County Championship title in 2011 and will now concentrate on his role as player-coach.
Smith, the county's player of the year in 2014, will be assisted by new vice-captain Steven Croft.
In a statement the 29-year-old Chorley-born player said: "It is a tremendous honour for me to be appointed captain of the county I grew up supporting and have been lucky enough to play for.
"The Red Rose means so much to me as it does to all our members and supporters and I can assure everybody that I will lead our county to the best of my ability at all times.
"There have been some great captains of this club over the years, none more so than Glen Chapple who I have learnt a great deal from over the years, not just as a cricketer but also as a leader.”
Head coach Ashley Giles said: "Tom has all the right ingredients of a good leader. He is well-respected, he plays all forms of the game, is a good professional, extremely mature and a good communicator.
"He is a guy who has come through the Lancashire system and knows exactly what it means to play for such a great county.
"Glen has done a fantastic job. He has moved into coaching and this is now an opportunity for the next generation of leaders. I believe the future of the club is in good hands."
