Auckland's leg spinning all rounder Brooke Walker will lead the State Auckland Aces for the 2001/02 summer.

Walker, 24, who leaves for India today with the New Zealand A team for the Buchi Babu tournament, was the 1999/00 Auckland player of the year.

Auckland Cricket Association chief executive Lindsay Crocker made the announcement today.

Walker has played four test matches and seven One Day Internationals for the CLEAR Black Caps. He has also played 40 first-class matches and more than 60 matches for Auckland.

As a 20-year-old in the 1997/98 season, Walker set an Auckland debutants' record, taking 8-107 against a Canterbury team boasting nine New Zealand players.

Walker replaces the incumbent, Dion Nash, who captained the State Auckland Aces for five matches last season.

State Auckland coach and convener of selectors Tony Sail said: "Dion has the essential qualities required of a captain, but it was felt that his return to the international arena will mean an increased role in the CLEAR Black Caps tour of Australia in November and January. This integral role needs to be performed by a player who will be consistently available for selection.

"Brooke Walker is seen as a natural leader of a group of dedicated young Auckland cricketers who will make a great contribution to domestic and international cricket in the next decade. He is highly regarded by his peers and is a gutsy player with an unwavering work ethic.

"He is also passionate about playing for his club, 'Howick Pakuranga', and for Auckland, and is totally committed to the future success of the State Auckland Aces," Sail said.

Brooke Walker has developed into one of New Zealand's brightest young cricket talents. As well as taking 92 first-class wickets at an average of 32.27, he has scored one century and two fifties, and is highly regarded as one of the most outstanding fieldsman in New Zealand Cricket. He has also played 46 limited overs matches including seven One Day Internationals for New Zealand, taking 40 wickets with the very respectable economy rate of 3.96.

Walker, who has been preparing with the rest of the State Aces squad in an intensive winter build up, leaves today with the New Zealand A team on its tour to the Buchi Babu tournament in India.

© 2001 CricInfo Ltd