Welch named Derbyshire's captain

Derbyshire have named Graeme Welch as their new captain for the 2006 season. Welch replaces Luke Sutton, who left the club at the end of last season to join Lancashire.

Welch, 33, takes over the reins of a club whose fortunes last season could hardly have been worse, finishing bottom of the Championship. Welch, though, remains optimistic for the team's prospects in 2006.

"I am very proud to have been asked to lead the side in what we see as a new era for the club," he said. "While we struggled last season we also showed some signs of promise for the future. With the young players we have coming through and the excellent signings we have made, we are confident of making real progress in 2006."

Derbyshire had hoped to sign Justin Langer, but the Australian batsman turned down the offer in November. However, Welch will have the services of two experienced Test batsmen after Mohammad Yousuf and Jacques Rudolph signed deals for 2006. The Tasmanian batsman, Michael di Venuto, will be Welch's deputy.