Croft takes over captaincy as Smith steps down

Lancashire all-rounder Tom Smith has made the difficult decision to step down as club captain ahead of the 2016 season in order to focus on regaining his match fitness.

Steven Croft, who captained the side for most of last season, has taken over the role of club captain, as Lancashire aim to defend their Natwest T20 Blast title and compete back in Division One of the County Championship.

Smith captained the side just once in 2015 - the opening fixture against Derbyshire - before he was sidelined by a slipped disc in his back. He failed to return to fitness by the end of the season and looked on with pride as Croft did a superb job in his absence, helping Lancashire to earn promotion in four-day cricket and their first T20 title at Edgbaston.

Smith said: "This was a very tough decision for me to make but I feel it is the right one. It was a great honour to be appointed captain last year, but I feel that my main focus for now must be to get myself fit for next season.

"Crofty has proved that he is a good leader and I wish him all the best in the role. I'm determined to get myself back out onto the field, as a senior player and I will be there for Crofty offering my support at all times."

Lancashire's director of cricket and head coach, Ashley Giles, said: "This has been an incredibly tough decision for Tom to make but it is important that his focus in on getting fit for the new season. Tom's experience will be crucial to Steven and he will very much remain a key member of our leadership team.

"I'd also like to congratulate Steven on his appointment. He showed great maturity in what was a successful season for Lancashire."

Croft's personal performances were truly remarkable last season. The Blackpool-born all-rounder hit 478 runs in the T20 Blast including a career-best 94 on home soil against Derbyshire. He also hit two centuries in four-day cricket, finishing the season with 874 runs at an average of 41.62.

The new Lancashire captain said: "I'd like to pay tribute to Tom, who is a great friend and an extremely professional team-mate. 

"He worked very closely with me last year and I'm looking forward to him getting back to full fitness. It must have been a very difficult decision for him, but I am delighted to have been asked to become captain. It's a real privilege and I'm honoured to take it on," Croft added.