Rory Burns and Jade Dernbach to lead Surrey

Gareth Batty resigned as Surrey captain after leading team for three seasons.

Rory Burns and Jade Dernbach with Surrey Team | Getty Images

Surrey County Cricket Club, on Friday, named Rory Burns and Jade Dernbach as the replacement of Gareth Batty, who decided to step down from the Captaincy role. Batty, who was replaced by Burns for first-class and One-Day Cup matches, led the Club for the three seasons.

It is learned that Burns will lead the Team in Championship and 50-over cricket, while Dernbach to lead the side in the NatWest T20 Blast.

As per ESPN Cricinfo, Gareth Batty said, “It has been a great honor to have served the club as captain. The timing is perfect for Rory and Jade to take over and I couldn't think of two better men to be leading the Club forward. I'm very excited for the future of the club."

Meanwhile, the newly appointed skipper Rory Burns thanked Batty for giving him the opportunity to lead the side. He further said, “Firstly I would like to congratulate Batts on the way he has captained the club over the last few years. He has given his absolute all to the captaincy, leaving the club and playing group in very good shape. I'd also like to thank Batts for giving me the opportunity to be his vice-captain, encouraging me to not only develop as a player but also to develop as a leader.”

With the latest development, Jade Dernbach, who led the T20 team on two occasions last season, becomes Surrey's first-ever T20 captain.

Alec Stewart – Director of Cricket at Surrey said on Dernbach’s appointment as skipper, “Jade has always been a leader without a title in our dressing room and out on the field. Appointing him as the Club's first-ever T20 captain is a natural progression in his career. As a white-ball specialist, he knows T20 cricket inside-out and his vast experience will give him confidence in this new role. As an Academy graduate and a Surrey man through and through he understands the importance and privilege of leading out a Surrey side.”

While commenting on Rory Burns, Stewart concluded by saying, “Rory has been earmarked as a potential captain for a length of time. I'm very confident now is the right moment for him to takeover. He will grow into the role while understanding the extra responsibility and workload that comes with leadership. It is a massive honour and I know how proud Rory is to take over.”

 
 

By Rashmi Nanda - 16 Dec, 2017

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