Sutton installed as Derbyshire captain

Luke Sutton has been named Derbyshire captain ahead of the 2011 season.

Sutton, 34, recently returned for a second spell at the County Ground after five seasons with Lancashire. He had previously represented Derbyshire from 2000 to 2005 earning his county cap in 2002 and captaining the side during the 2004 and 2005 seasons.

He takes over from Australian opener Chris Rogers, who was captain for much of last season but has moved to Middlesex, and says he's looking forward to his second stint in the job. "I am delighted to have been handed the opportunity to captain a talented young team and I'm very much looking forward to the challenge," he said.

"I am passionate about making Derbyshire successful and I have a lot of experience that I hope can guide some of the younger players as we strive for success in 2011 and beyond. My aim is to lead a side that is aggressive and competitive, treats every game importantly and competes at a very high level. I want to be part of a unit that isn't coasting and is always pushing itself to keep improving."

Derbyshire suffered a torrid year last season, winning just three games to finish bottom on the second division but head of cricket John Morris is confident Sutton can help turn things around. "With the huge respect he commands from his team mates and the vast experience he brings to the role, Luke is an excellent choice as Derbyshire's captain," he said.

"With the attitude of ultimate professionalism that he brings - and with the huge ambition to make Derbyshire successful that I know he has - he is the right man to take us forward."