Leicestershire have announced that Phillip DeFreitas will be their new captain for the 2003 season.

The 36-year-old former England all rounder has accepted the invitation to lead the side next summer after Iain Sutcliffe declined the opportunity to succeed Vince Wells as captain.

Leicestershire general manager, Kevin Hill, said: "The management committee unanimously approved the cricket committee's recommendation to invite Phillip DeFreitas to be captain for 2003.

"I have the highest regard for Phillip both as a player and a person. He is a strong leader and I look forward to working with him."

DeFreitas, currently on a cricketing tour in Barbados said: "I am extremely proud and honoured to be appointed captain of Leicestershire. We have a lot of talented players and I am looking forward to us achieving the success the club and its supporters deserve."

DeFreitas, who has played in 44 Tests and 103 one-day internationals, is in the final year of a four year contract at Grace Road. Last season he scored 609 Championship runs took 51 wickets and also joined the elite group of players who have achieved a career double of 10,000 runs and 1,000 wickets.

© Leicestershire CCC