Nottinghamshire’s Chris Read has welcomed the decision to appoint batsman James Taylor as the new Notts Outlaws captain.
The news comes in light of Read relinquishing the one-day captaincy as part of his new two-year contract with Nottinghamshire. For Read, it is the start of a gradual process to find the county’s new club captain.
“We are looking for a bit of progression,” said Read.
“I am really happy with the job I have done as captain of Notts, but I do think there is always a time to look forward.”
Taylor has experience in the role as captain in both domestic and international arenas. Earlier in the 2013 season, he captained Notts to victory over Surrey in Read’s absence, as well as leading the England Lions in recent years.
“He has good pedigree and understands the game. He’s still young, but is a senior player who garners respect,” said Read.
“It’s not as if he’s coming into this with no experience. He has been involved with the Lions as captain for a number of years now.”
While Taylor had been touted by many as the next in line for the captaincy, Read has stood by his decision to remain at the helm for red-ball cricket, rather than step aside completely.
“I don’t think, having spoken to James, that the was overly keen on taking on the whole job, given where he is in his own career,” said Read, on the subject of Taylor’s desire to play international cricket for England.
“I feel that there is probably not anyone right now who is ready made to take over the whole job.
“It was a question of how can we possible get the next Notts captain – not definitely James Taylor, but possibly – involved and start building for the future with regard to the captaincy side of things.
“If there was a ready-made replacement it would have been something I would have considered.
“I would not have clung onto it with dear life if there was someone out there to take the team forward.”