Hampshire appoint James Vince as new captain

Hampshire have appointed James Vince as their new captain and the batsman has signed a new long-term contract.

Vince's contract was due to expire at the end of next season but his new deal keeps him at the Ageas Bowl until at least the end of the 2019 campaign.

Vince, who captained Hampshire's limited overs teams last season, said: "I'm delighted to have this opportunity to become club captain - I really enjoyed the taste of it I had this year and I feel I've got much more to offer.

"Year in, year out, we compete in limited overs competitions, so I'm hoping we can go on to win trophies over the next few years and challenge at the top of the Championship which I feel we are more than capable of doing.

"I am very grateful to Hampshire for giving me opportunities at a young age and it's a great feeling to have signed to the club for the next four years."

Vince takes over as four-day skipper from Jimmy Adams who stepped down on Wednesday.

Hampshire chairman Rod Bransgrove said: "James has developed into a genuinely gifted and creative captain and has demonstrated a maturity well beyond his years.

"I am thrilled that another graduate of our superb academy has emerged with the characteristics required to fulfil the role of club captain. His commitment to Hampshire Cricket is absolute and he has further demonstrated this by entering a long-term contract with the club.

"Following in the footsteps of some quite outstanding players and men, James understands the heritage and the values of this club and I have every confidence that, in time, he will rank equally amongst the best of his predecessors."