Streak quits as Warwickshire captain

Heath Streak has stepped down as Warwickshire's captain after just one Championship match of the season, and is immediately replaced by their new signing Darren Maddy.

"I have been contemplating this move for some time and I feel it is the right thing to do," he said. "The captaincy has been affecting my personal game. Towards the end of last season Nick Knight helped me by making a number of the on-field decisions whilst I was bowling and we have adopted a similar approach in our pre and early season games this year using other senior players.

"It has been an honour to captain [Warwickshire], but I have come to the conclusion that it is now in the team's best interest for someone else to take over the leadership role on a permanent basis."

Streak took over the reins last year, but it was a difficult season for the club - on and off the field, although they did manage to retain their position in the first division of the Championship.

"It will be a real honour to lead out the side on Wednesday," Maddy said. "Streaky has taken a difficult personal decision but I am confident he will continue to give his all for Warwickshire. For my part I will be working as hard as I can to re-pay the confidence the club has placed in me by making this appointment."

Maddy's reign begins tomorrow, at Edgbaston, with Warwickshire's second Championship of the season against the holders, Sussex.