Read named Notts captain

Chris Read will lead Nottinghamshire from behind the stumps in 2008 © Getty Images

Chris Read has been named as Nottinghamshire's captain for 2008, replacing Stephen Fleming who won't be returning to Trent Bridge. New Zealand tour England next year, but counties can also sign only one overseas player.

Read, who has been vice-captain this season, has twice made career-bests in the Championship including 240 against Essex. He has previous captaincy experience with Nottinghamshire, leading them during the 2004 Twenty20.

He is looking forward to the challenge, especially with the club on course to return to Division One in the Championship after last year's relegation.

"The Championship is the ultimate target for any county and if we manage to get into Division One, we have got the talent to win it again [after the 2005 success]," he said. "Flem has been a terrific captain for us and if I can bring half of his leadership skills to the side then I'll be happy.

"I'm in a fortunate position to be leading a very skilled group of players, and I want to continue the process where everyone is looking to achieve success in a united dressing room."

Read's form this season has led to more discussion about his England credentials, but he says his thoughts are focused on Nottinghamshire. "If an England call comes my way, then great, but my priority is to keep Notts moving forward and challenging for trophies. This is a huge thing for me, and a wonderful opportunity which I'm delighted to take on."

Mick Newell, the director of cricket, said: "We have been able to look at the alternatives available in the past year and Chris was the stand-out candidate. I believe he will be an excellent captain. He is a very thoughtful cricketer and has had the chance to learn at close quarters from Stephen Fleming over the past three seasons.

"His own game is in very good order and the job has come at the right time in his career. This is a challenge I'm sure he will rise to."