Hegg steps down as Lancashire captain

Warren Hegg, who had hinted at his resignation following Lancashire's relegation to the second division of the County Championship last month, has stepped down after three years as captain.

"It has been a great honour but now the time is right to step down and concentrate on helping the team recapture its position in the first division," Hegg said. "The new captain will have my 100% support and commitment." Hegg, 36, has been the first-choice wicketkeeper at Old Trafford since July 1987, and scored nearly 11,000 runs.

Jack Simmons, the Lancashire chairman, said "Warren has been a very passionate captain and we thank him for his contributions."

Mark Chilton, the opening batsman, who attended Mike Atherton's alma mater Manchester Grammar School, will succeed Hegg. "It's a great honour to be offered the captaincy of Lancashire," Chilton said. "I am looking forward to working alongside the management team to further our success." Stuart Law has been appointed his vice-captain.

Chilton, 28, had a good season in 2004, scoring 809 runs at 32.36 in the Championship, and just under 500 runs in the National League. He was the only player to play in all of Lancashire's matches in 2004.

Mike Watkinson, who was captain when Chilton joined the county in 1997, and who is now the manager, added, "Warren has done a great job, but now we look forward to 2005 with Mark in charge. He has excellent qualities in key areas and, with Stuart at his side, he will be well equipped to take the team forward."