Bicknell to skipper Notts in early part of season

Darren Bicknell is to lead the Notts team during the early part of the new season while regular captain Jason Gallian recovers from a minor knee operation.

The left-handed opener will also act as skipper during the team¹s pre-season trip to South Africa later this month.

Assistant Cricket Manager Mick Newell said: "It is now almost certain that Jason will not be fit to start the season and we have asked Darren to do the job until he recovers."

Bicknell takes over the role after a hugely successful first year at Trent Bridge which earned him the Player of the Season award.

He said: "Being captain was not something I envisaged being called upon to do when I moved to Notts but I am honoured to be asked and hopefully I can help get the team off to a good start while I¹m keeping Jason¹s place warm for him."

The Notts squad depart for Johannesburg on March 24 for a two-and-a-half week trip during which they will meet up with team manager Clive Rice and new signings Greg Smith and Kevin Pietersen.