Former South Africa captain Kepler Wessels is to be Northamptonshire's first-team manager for the next two seasons. Wessels, 45, will start in March after the 2003 World Cup in his home country.

"It is both an honour and a privilege to accept the position as first-team manager," he said. "I am well aware of the club's goals, aspirations and objectives, and will do everything in my power to help them succeed.

"It is always a challenge to work with an emerging team, and I am looking forward to a productive association with the players, club officials, members and supporters."

Wessels played first-class cricket with Sussex between 1976 and 1980. After joining Kerry Packer's World Series Cricket, he settled in Australia where he played for Queensland.

After qualifying through residence, he played for Australia in 16 Tests, touring England in 1985. He returned home in 1986 and was the first captain of South Africa when they were readmitted to international cricket in 1992.

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