Former England opening batsman Marcus Trescothick has stepped down as Somerset captain after six years in the role.
The 40-year-old, having led the side since 2010, will hand over the reins to new signing Chris Rogers, the former Australia Test batsman, in the County Championship and Jim Allenby in white-ball cricket.
Somerset announced Trescothick’s decision to hand over the leadership was “mutually agreed.”
Trescothick, who has scored over 23,000 first-class runs, said: “I have loved being captain of Somerset.
“It has been a tremendous privilege and honour to lead this great club over many years but now is the right time for change.
“I will be giving Chris and Jim my unconditional support, as well as focusing on scoring as many runs as I can in the season ahead.
“I would like to thank all of the players, coaches and members for their support during my tenure as the club captain.”
Trescothick signed a new deal at Taunton last September, keeping him at the club for another year, and director of cricket Matt Maynard hopes giving up the captaincy prolongs his county career.
Maynard said: “Marcus has made an unbelievable contribution to the club as its captain over many years.
“I know I will be joined by all of our members in thanking him for his unfailing commitment and dedication to leading the side.
“Marcus will now have an opportunity to focus all of his energies on his batting and we hope that stepping down from the captaincy will extend his playing career in the seasons to come. ”
Somerset chairman Andy Nash added: “Marcus has been an outstanding captain having served the club with passion, loyalty and commitment.
“He steps down from the captaincy with the same good grace and eloquence with which he inherited it.
“On behalf of everyone at Somerset County Cricket Club we salute his great achievements and look forward to his continued contribution both on and off the field”.
Source: ECB