Former England spinner Gareth Batty has been named as Surrey’s new full-time captain.
The 37-year-old, who won 18 England caps in an international career spanning from 2002 to 2009, has often deputised as the county’s skipper in recent seasons.
Batty effectively succeeds former South Africa captain Graeme Smith, whose stint as Surrey skipper last year was cut short by a knee injury.
Batty first played for Surrey in 1999 before returning to the club in 2010. During his time away he played in seven Tests, 10 one-day internationals and one Twenty20 international.
A canny off-spinner and handy lower-order batsman, Batty is currently training with Surrey head coach Graham Ford in Cape Town.
Among others, Batty has been preferred to former Sri Lanka captain Kumar Sangakkara, who last month signed for Surrey on a two-year deal.
Director of cricket Alec Stewart, a former Surrey skipper, told the club website: “Gareth is a very honest man, of fine character and a good leader. He has the respect of the dressing room and the club is proud to have him.
“It is a huge honour to be appointed the captain of Surrey County Cricket Club and we have every confidence that he will lead the team forward.”