Ervine steps up as limited-overs captain

The rise of James Vince to England's Test team has left his county, Hampshire, looking for a replacement captain, with Sean Ervine named as the man to take charge in T20 and 50-over cricket.

Ervine, 33, is one of Hampshire's longest-serving players and captained the team on their pre-season tour of Barbados, when Vince was away at the World T20.

"It feels great to be captain," Ervine said. "Whilst we're disappointed Vince can't be with us, it's brilliant he's been selected for England.

"I'll bring calmness, and try and use my experience from over the years to counter certain situations - it can get quite manic out there. I captained in Barbados during pre-season and I really enjoyed the experience. Jimmy [Adams] has been a brilliant example and Vince has done an amazing job. It's just about making sure we continue the success we've had over the last few years."

Vince was named Hampshire's T20 captain in 2014, then took over in 50-over cricket at the start of last season. Adams' decision to relinquish the Championship captaincy midway through 2015 saw Vince elevated in all three formats but this has coincided with his England career taking off and the club may not see much of him this year.

A former Zimbabwe international, Ervine has played a key part in Hampshire's limited-overs success, helping them to lift the C&G Trophy in 2005, as well as T20 titles in 2010 and 2012. He was the first Hampshire player to make 100 T20 appearances and has helped them to a record six successive Finals Days.

His first match in charge will come next Friday, when Hampshire begin their NatWest Blast campaign with a fixture away to Middlesex at Uxbridge.