Luke Wright has struggled for form so far this season © Getty Images
Luke Wright has announced he will step down as Sussex captain with immediate effect, with Chris Nash taking charge for this week’s Specsavers County Championship clash with Worcestershire.
Wright, 32, joined Sussex from Leicestershire in 2004, and was originally appointed NatWest T20 Blast captain in 2015. He took over in all three forms of the game when Ed Joyce stepped down as club captain in 2016, but he has struggled for form this season, and believes a return to the ranks is best for all concerned.
“Firstly, I would like thank Sussex for the privilege and honour of being made captain of this fantastic club,” Wright said.
“I have always been someone that loves and enjoys the game, but over a period of time now whilst being captain, this has not been the case and it has affected me both on and off the pitch.
“After taking some time I decided that stepping down was in mine and the club’s best interests going forward. I look forward to giving my full commitment as a player to future Sussex successes.”
Wright has a top score of 38 in seven first-class innings so far this season, while Sussex have already been eliminated from the Royal London Cup, having missed out on a quarter-final berth.
“Luke has made this decision with the best interests of himself, his young family and the team,” said Keith Greenfield, Sussex’s director of cricket. “We thank him for all of his efforts while captaining the club. It is an all-encompassing position, particularly whilst rebuilding the team.
“Luke plays his best when enjoying his cricket and playing in an attacking manner. We all want to see Luke play with a smile on his face and enjoying his cricket.
“This way, we will all see the best of Luke and we know he’ll continue to drive success for Sussex Cricket going forward.”
Head Coach Mark Davis said, “I would like to thank Luke for everything he has done for the team in his role as captain. I have thoroughly enjoyed working with Luke and establishing a new-look Sussex team that will bring success back to our great club.
“His passion and enthusiasm for the club is second to none and without the stress and strains of captaincy, I am convinced he will be back to winning games for the club.”
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Source: ESPN Crickinfo