Madsen Takes Over As Derbyshire Captain

Madsen Takes Over As Derbyshire Captain

Wayne Madsen has been named as Derbyshire's new captain following the shock retirement of Luke Sutton.

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Wayne Madsen has, as expected, been named Derbyshire captain for 2012. He replaces Luke Sutton who announced his retirement from professional cricket yesterday.

The 27 year-old, who was born in South Africa and has represented them at hockey, joined Derbyshire as a Kolpak player in 2009 and has been more or less an ever present in their side since then. He is due to qualify as an England player in 2013.

Last year was something of a mixed one for Madsen personally. He established himself in the Falcons’ limited-overs sides, averaging 43.45 in the Clydesdale Bank 40, but his first-class form ebbed away in the latter half of the Championship season.

However, his overall pedigree is well established – he averages 35.88 in first-class cricket – and the Derbyshire hierarchy clearly see leadership qualities in him, something that head coach, Karl Krikken alluded to when commenting on the announcement.

He said, “As an excellent leader within the squad and as a model professional, Wayne is the ideal candidate to take over captaincy duties. He proved to be a very popular stand-in captain [he led them four times in the Clydesdale Bank 40] ...during the latter part of last season and I know he will do an excellent job in the position on a full-time basis.”

Madsen himself added, “I’m excited and extremely honoured to be handed the role. I’m looking forward to the challenge of leading an exciting young team into the new season.

The squad has taken significant forward strides during the past year and the aim for the new season is to continue that progress into 2012.”

© Cricket World 2011