Luke Wrighthas taken over from Ed Joyce as Sussex Sharks captain in the NatWest T20 Blast.
Wright, a World Twenty20 winner with England in 2010, has become one of the world’s best T20 players, featuring in several leading format leagues.
The 29-year-old most recently played in the Big Bash League for Melbourne Stars, having just helped Auckland Aces finish second in New Zealand’s competition. He has also represented the now-defunct Pune Warriors in the Indian Premier League.
Once an all-rounder, Wright has concentrated on his batting of late, opening for the Sharks last year when he hit a domestic record 153 not out from 66 balls versus Essex Eagles. That epic knock was among 601 competition runs for Wright.
In November Wright, who has 51 England T20 caps, signed a three-year contract extension with Sussex until the end of the 2018 season, and this year will enjoy a benefit.
Wright, a Twenty20 Cup-winner with Sussex in 2009, said: “It is a huge honour to captain the T20 team for this great club and the club I love.
“I am really excited about putting my stamp on the T20 side and hopefully get Sussex back to where we should be, which is competing for trophies.
“We made some exciting new signings this winter and there are some very talented younger players really improving so I am very excited about what this season could bring.”
Sussex professional cricket manager Mark Robinson said: “We’re delighted that Luke has agreed to become our T20 captain. He is a proven international player at this level and has gained a wealth of expertise and experience from playing this format all around the world.
“It will allow Ed Joyce to recharge his batteries mentally in what is a busy period of the summer.”
Ireland batsman Joyce, currently playing in the World Cup, will remain captain in the LV= County Championship and Royal London One-Day Cup.