Chris Rogers has decided to hand the captaincy to Greg Smith for the rest of the summer © Getty Images Enlarge
Related Links Players/Officials: Chris Rogers | Greg Smith Series/Tournaments: England Domestic Season Teams: Derbyshire | England

Chris Rogers, the Australia opening batsman, has stepped down as Derbyshire captain and handed the leadership to Greg Smith for the remainder of the season.

Rogers has led the county since midway through the 2008 season but Derbyshire are currently bottom of Division Two in the County Championship with just two victories in the campaign. There is also a doubt as to whether Rogers will be able to return to county cricket next season because of the time lapse since he has played international cricket.

"I have thoroughly enjoyed my time as captain of Derbyshire and there have been some fantastic moments along the way," Rogers said. "Although I had every intention of captaining the team until the end of the season, both John Morris and I believe it is in the best interests of the club to give Greg this opportunity.

"I will help him in any way that I can and will continue to act as a senior player and mentor for the younger players in our side as well as continuing to do my best for the team as a batsman."

Head of cricket John Morris added: "Chris has done a great job as captain of the team for the past two years and I thank him for his efforts and dedication to the role.

"Having been vice-captain throughout the current season and experienced the captaincy during the Friends Provident t20 campaign, it is a natural progression that Greg now takes over as captain."

Smith, the South African-born allrounder, is having a solid season, scoring 585 runs at 32.50 in 12 Championship matches and taking 37 wickets and 30.59 with his mixture of medium pace and offspin.