Alex Wakely is to replace Stephen Peters as captain of relegated Northamptonshire next season.
The 25-year-old Wakely, who led Northants Steelbacks to a surprise success in last summer's Twenty20 competition, has been unavailable throughout the 2014 campaign in any format after suffering an Achilles injury in pre-season.
Without him, Northants have yet to win a match in the LV= County Championship and have long known they were heading back to Division Two.
The club confirmed Wakely's promotion to lead the team in all competitions - with all-rounder David Willey as vice-captain - today.
Batsman Wakely said: "I am completely honoured to have been asked to captain Northants. It is something I have wanted to do ever since I came to the club as a 13 year old.
"I still have a lot I want to achieve with my own career - and after a very frustrating year for me with my injury I cannot wait to get back playing.
"The responsibility of captaincy is something I have always loved, and I hope I can play my part as we rebuild over the next few years.
“I will do everything in my power to make this club successful and I am excited about the challenge.”
Head coach David Ripley said: “It’s an exciting opportunity for Alex and David to shape the future of Northants Cricket in the coming years.
“The cricket management team believe it’s time for a change in direction and to take a longer term view as we look to bring success back to the cricket club.
“Stephen captained the side for two seasons and he was instrumental in shaping the changes in attitude and structure that led the club to possibly its most successful season in 2013.”
Ripley added: “I would like to thank Stephen for his support and I look forward to welcoming Alex back to his leadership role and building on his impressive start in 2013.”
Chief executive David Smith said: “Northants Cricket would like to place on record its sincere thanks to Stephen Peters, who captained the club to promotion into Division One in 2013 and has given his absolute all throughout what has been a very difficult 2014 cricket season.”