Kersey's death in a car crash in Brisbane has meant Stewart keeping wicket for Surrey also on a full-time basis and in this situation, the added burden of captaincy was neither practical nor fair on Stewart. The change came about after consultation and by mutual consent.
There is no question of Hollioake having to feel his way into the job. As Stewart's deputy while he was on England duty last summer, he was an outstanding success. Furthermore, Hollioake distinguished himself leading England A on their Australian tour.
Hollioake takes command of a side transformed in a matter of weeks last season from a collection of depressed, confused cricketers into a cheerful, optimistic and ebullient team, not least because of the new spirit infused by their cricket manager from Australia, Dave Gilbert.
Come autumn, a trophy had been won, Surrey's first since 1982. The Sunday League may not be the most coveted of English cricket's four titles, but Gilbert attaches great significance to this success and particularly to their win in the penultimate match, against Northamptonshire, who were their main rivals.
``We were dead and buried and came back to win. Such victories reinforce confidence in teams and make them feel capable of meeting any challenge,'' says Gilbert. ``Beating Northants on that Sunday has put us in great heart for the new season.''
The lack of a class spinner deprived Surrey of wins in crucial matches last season. That weakness has been eliminated by signing Ian Salisbury. ``We've got him at the right time. He is only 27 and has already taken 500 wickets. He's coming into his prime and the bouncy Oval pitches will suit him admirably,'' says Gilbert.
More use will be made, too, of Nadeem Shahid's talent as a wrist spinner. Darren Bicknell's orthodox left-arm spin will also be utilised more extensively.
Surrey's quick bowlers did them proud in 1996, with Martin Bicknell and their overseas signing, Brendon Julian, taking 66 and 61 wickets respectively and Joey Benjamin and Chris Lewis whose availability was limited by England calls - claiming 66 between them.
Julian's inclusion in Australia's tour party is an unforeseen and, from Surrey's viewpoint, awkward late development. They are not seeking a replacement because Gilbert has confidence in the potential of two outstanding reserve pace bowlers in Alex Tudor and the younger Hollioake, Ben, who is no mean batsman either.
Nevertheless, Julian's contributions with the bat last summer in both the championship and one-day games cannot be overlooked. His absence will be felt most keenly during clashes with Test matches and one-day internationals, when Surrey will also lose their England players.
At full strength, Surrey's batting is formidable, all the stronger for the advance Mark Butcher made last season and during the A tour.
Kersey's replacement on the staff is Jonathan Batty, an Oxford Blue. He and James Knott, son of Alan, will compete to keep when Stewart is away. Both are useful with the bat.
``With the talent we have and the spirit to go with it, I am confident of an even better season than 1996,'' says Gilbert.