Luke Wright succeeds Ed Joyce as Sussex captain

Luke Wright has been named Sussex's new club captain following Ed Joyce's decision to resign last week.

Wright was the favourite to succeed the Irishman in all three formats next year after leading the county to the quarter-finals of the NatWest T20 Blast this summer.

He also had a stellar season with the bat although even his 1,210 LV= County Championship runs at 46.53 were unable to prevent Sussex's relegation from Division One.

The 30-year-old said: "I am hugely proud and honoured to be the captain of this fantastic club. To think that I am following in the footsteps of some great captains is a massive privilege.

"Mine and the coaches' challenge is to get this club back to winning ways. This starts with not only trying to get back to Division One, but to create a culture that can challenge to win it.

"We also need to be successful in all forms and I was delighted with the improvements we made this season in the T20 competition, but a lot of hard work is required by all to achieve these goals.

"Thanks to all the Sussex supporters for sticking with us through what has been a difficult summer but hopefully good times are ahead."

Wright, who has made 101 limited-overs appearances for England, averaged 51 in this year's domestic T20 competition and 45 in the Royal London One-Day Cup, earning him Sussex's player of the year award.

Sussex's professional cricket manager Mark Robinson said: "We're delighted that Luke has accepted the offer of captaincy. It comes at an important time for the club, as we look to rebuild and come back stronger for the 2016 season.

"Luke will bring a lot of experience from around the world, as well as passion, commitment and energy. He will have the full respect of everybody from within the club and the game."