Steve Rhodes to take over as Worcestershire coach

Steve Rhodes is going to take over as head coach of Worcestershire, following the appointment of Tom Moddy, the incumbent, as the coach of Sri Lanka. Moody is expected to join the Sri Lankan side by mid-June, and Rhodes will step into his shoes when he leaves.

Mark Newton, Worcestershire's chief executive, said: "The role of director of cricket at Worcestershire is a main board position with full director status and we do not want to burden Steve with all the off-the-field activity this involves at this stage of the season. He is therefore free to concentrate entirely on the team and working with captain, Vikram Solanki, to ensure our playing success.

"At the end of the season," Newton continued, "we can review the situation and appoint accordingly. Our succession planning has been in place for over 12 months in the knowledge that Tom Moody would move on at some stage. Throughout the recent period of speculation, Tom has kept us fully informed of progress and we are delighted both for Tom and the club that his talent has been recognised in this way."

Rhodes himself said, "Everybody at the club is delighted for Tom. I have worked with him on and off the field for nearly fourteen years and have no doubt that he will prove to be as good a coach at international level as he has been at county level. Clearly my appointment represents a great opportunity for me and I am relishing the challenge ahead."