Gidman stands down as Gloucestershire captain

Alex Gidman has stepped down as Gloucestershire captain after four years in the role. The club endured a disappointing 2012 season, finishing bottom of the County Championship, although Gidman has said his decision is due to him wanting to focus on batting.

Gidman, 31, who previously served three years as vice-captain, scored 528 runs at 25.14 in the Championship.

Gidman said: "I am very proud of the contribution I have been able to make as Gloucestershire captain. But I have not enjoyed the role as much this season and feel the time is right for someone else to take over.

"My intention now is to spend the time I was taking up with captaincy issues on improving my own game. My plan for this winter is to devote more hours to practice and fitness work than I have ever done. Hopefully that will result in lots of runs for the team next summer."

Tom Richardson, the chief executive, said consideration would be given to replacing Gidman as captain with an overseas signing for 2013 season. The club's overseas players this year were Kane Williamson, Rob Nicol and briefly Ed Cowan although both New Zealand and Australia are touring England next season.

The club's director of cricket John Bracewell added: "Alex has faced a particularly tough period as captain trying to deliver success with a young and developing squad.

"With all the extra demands on him, he has not been able to spend the time he wants to on his own game. He still has a stack of runs left in him as a player and I'm sure will benefit from being free of the worries captaincy brings."