Joyce replaces disappointing Shah

Owais Shah has been replaced as Middlesex's vice-captain by Ed Joyce. Shah, 25, has led Middlesex for much of this season after Andrew Strauss was called up to the Test team, but his captaincy has been criticised and Middlesex have lost their last two Championship games, and were recently knocked out of the C&G Trophy by Gloucestershire.

Joyce, 25 and born in Ireland, made his debut for Middlesex in 1999, and averages over 40 in first-class cricket. He will start his captaincy at home against Worcestershire in the Championship.

A club statement, released today, said that Shah, who has played 15 one-day internationals for England, had been relieved of the captaincy in "the best interest of the side", and confirmed that Joyce would take over the role.