Adams sets out Hamilton-Brown talks

Chris Adams believes Sussex all-rounder Rory Hamilton-Brown has all the traits needed to successfully captain Surrey

Surrey professsional cricket manager Chris Adams plans to speak to Rory Hamilton-Brown this weekend and sell him the county’s “vision” as he attempts to secure the 22-year-old’s signature as captain for next season.

Adams and Surrey have been granted permission by Hamilton-Brown’s current employers Sussex to speak with the all-rounder after making an approach to sign him earlier this month.

Surrey, whose offer has been labelled “most unwelcome” by Sussex, are keen for Hamilton-Brown to become their captain, with Adams admitting he would be ecstatic should he get his man.

“We would be absolutely stoked if we get him,” he said. “I am hoping to speak with him over the weekend to sell him the vision and show him the journey here at Surrey, which we hope will be a special one.”

Former England Under-19 captain Hamilton-Brown, who has played eight first-class games, began his career at Surrey before moving to Sussex at the end of the 2007 season due to a lack of first-team opportunities.

Adams is familiar with the right-hander from his own stint at Hove and is certain the youngster - currently on duty with the England Performance Programme in South Africa - has the credentials to be a success at the job.

“I know the lad; he is a super-talented cricketer,” Adams told Surrey's official website.

“The one thing I have identified in losing Mark Butcher (who retired this summer) is the need to replace him with a new captain that I believe will galvanise the squad and bring players together.

“If you draw up a list of the players out there currently it’s not a massive list and Rory’s name came right to the very top.

“I think captains are born. They have certain attributes such as charisma, the ability to galvanise people, possess intelligent and tactical brains - somebody that people need to follow, either by example or by just being a damn good person and being able to get people to perform at the best of their ability. I see all of that in Rory.”