DeFreitas stands down as Leicestershire captain

Phillip DeFreitas has asked to be relieved of the captaincy duties at Leicestershire. DeFreitas, 38, is keen to continue playing for the county but wants to take a backseat for the remainder of his career.

"After 20 months as captain of Leicestershire County Cricket Club I have now asked the club to relieve me of my captain's duties," said DeFreitas, who is the only active English cricketer to have experienced a series victory over Australia, on his maiden tour in 1986-87.

"We have reached the halfway point in the season and I believe this is the right time to hand the captaincy over to someone else. I would like to wish my successor all the very best; he can be sure of my help and support."

James Whitaker, Leicestershire's director of cricket, who played his only Test on that same Ashes tour, was grateful for DeFreitas's contribution. "Daffy is, and always has been, a model professional and has always been thoroughly dedicated to his job.

"The club is grateful for his contribution as captain but respects his decision to stand down. We wish Daffy well in his continuing career as a key player in Leicestershire's first team."