Adam Voges will be one of three Middlesex captains in 2016 © Getty Images
Adam Voges has been confirmed as Middlesex’s main overseas player for 2016 and he will continue to captain the club in the Championship. Eoin Morgan has stepped down as leader of limited-overs sides, however, leading to promotions for James Franklin and Dawid Malan and a rare triple captaincy.
Voges will return for a third season at Lord’s, with his involvement now confirmed after missing out on an IPL deal. Voges will arrive for the start of the season and be available until mid-June, when he is likely to be involved in Australia’s Test series in Sri Lanka, before returning to Middlesex in August.
Morgan has meanwhile relinquished the limited-overs captaincy after two seasons. He will be away at the IPL in April and May and then involved with England as their ODI and T20 captain. In 2015, Morgan was given time off by Middlesex in order to recharge.
Franklin, who deputised for Voges and Morgan last season, will take charge of the 50-over side, while Malan takes on increased responsibility as T20 captain.
“What we have attempted in the past in limited-overs cricket has not produced the results we wanted, so, following Eoin Morgan’s decision to step down, we have decided to try something different,” Angus Fraser, the club’s director of cricket, said. “This structure will give different individuals the chance to grab hold of, energise and direct a team in a different form of the game.
“I believe, looking forward, the times when one person will captain every team at a club will be rare. Times have changed from when Mike Brearley and Mike Gatting captained Middlesex. The expectation to compete in every competition is high and tolerance levels, when this fails to happen, are lower. The cocktail creates an environment where the pressure of doing all three jobs would quickly wear a person down.
“Adam’s return is something we are all delighted with. He may not have spent a huge amount of time with us but during the time he has been with us he has made an extremely positive impression. Adam continues to show what a high-quality player he is – and we know what a top bloke he is.
“Dawid is at a stage in his career where he is ready to take on greater responsibility. He is an extremely good T20 player and has a lot of experience. He is keen to lead and I want to encourage that.
“James was outstanding for us last season. His experience and character were invaluable. He helped the club out in a couple of tricky situations and ensured there was a calm, disciplined and positive air around the squad. Richard Scott, myself and the rest of Middlesex’s coaching and support staff are looking forward to working closely with them all.”
Both Franklin and Malan will be able to consult New Zealand’s soon-to-be retired captain Brendon McCullum, who will arrive to play limited-overs cricket for Middlesex following the end of his spell at the IPL until June 25.
© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
Source: ESPN Crickinfo