Dexter temporarily gives up captaincy

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Neil Dexter has announced he is to temporarily stand down as captain of Middlesex’s LV= County Championship side in an effort to re-discover his form with the bat.

Dexter guided the county to last year's Division Two title after taking charge in 2010, but has made four single-figure scores from their opening two games of the season.

That has prompted the 27-year-old to take immediate action and, although he will continue to lead Middlesex in both the Clydesdale Bank 40 and Friends Life t20 competitions, he has handed over championship duties to Chris Rogers for the time being.

It is the second time Rogers has been given the reins at Middlesex; the Australian led the club for the last three games of their title-winning Division Two in 2011 campaign due to Dexter suffering a broken finger.

Managing director of cricket Angus Fraser praised Dexter for his commitment to Middlesex’s cause and is looking forward to the South African leading the side when he returns to form.

Neil Dexter has decided to temporarily relieve himself as Middlesex captain after scoring just 15 runs in four Division One innings this term

“Once again I applaud Neil for his selfless and honest behaviour,” said Fraser.

“I selected Neil as Middlesex CCC captain in 2010 because of the standards and values he holds, and he never lets you down. Neil’s captaincy during the thrilling three-run victory over Surrey was outstanding. It played a major role in turning potential sorrow in to delight.”

“He is, however, not happy with his current form with bat and believes extra time spent concentrating on this part of his game will help return him to his best quickest, which is what we all want.

“Once Neil’s form returns, as it inevitably will, and he is happy with where he is at the captaincy will return to him.”

“Middlesex CCC are extremely fortunate to have a player of Chris Rogers' standing as back-up. Chris captained the team very well at the end of the 2011 season and is happy to stand in to help the team’s cause. Chris is fully aware of the situation. He knows that the job is Neil’s once he and the club feel the time is right.”

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