Northern Districts have re-appointed wicket-keeper Robert Hart as their captain for the forthcoming season.

He will be supported by Scott Styris who has been named vice-captain of the side.

Northern Districts chief executive John Turkington said Hart was "one of New Zealand's most experienced wicket-keepers.

"Twenty six-year-old Hart's debut for Northern Districts was in the 1993/94 season. He has played 61 first-class matches with 160 catches and 13 stumpings.

"In limited overs cricket Hart has played 90 matches affecting 76 catches and 24 stumpings. He holds the Northern Districts record for dismissals in a season of limited overs cricket with 17 catches and seven stumpings in the 1997/98 season."

Selection convener Rick Pickard said: "Robert Hart is very experienced on the provincial scene and a combination of his maturity and mental hardness should inspire the State Northern Knights to meet their goals in the 2001/02 season.

"With coach Bruce Blair looking to add a new dimension and newly-appointed vice-captain Scott Styris, the senior management of the team has an exciting look," he said.

© CricInfo