Michael Parlane to lead Wellington

Michael Parlane has been appointed captain of Wellington for the 2006-07 domestic season, replacing Matthew Bell, the former New Zealand opener, who has relinquished the captaincy.

A right-handed top-order batsman, Parlane was chosen based on an excellent domestic season in 2005-06, in which he made 625 runs in the State Championship at an average of nearly 45. He was the highest run-getter for his side in the State Shield limited-overs competition, with 292 runs at an average of 41.71. Formerly with Northern Districts, he shifted to Wellington in 2003.

Cricket Wellington also acknowledged the contribution made by Bell to the team. Under his captaincy they won the State Championship in 2000-01 and 2003-04, and the State Shield in 2001-02. They also finished runners-up in the State Championship last season.