Hamilton-Brown steps down

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Rory Hamilton-Brown has relinquished the captaincy of Surrey, who will continue to be led by Gareth Batty for the rest of this season.

Off-spinner Batty, 34, took over when it was announced Hamilton-Brown was taking a sabbatical following the death of his close friend and team-mate Tom Maynard in June.

Hamilton-Brown made his comeback in the Clydesdale Bank 40 defeat of Nottinghamshire on August 1, but was not considered ready for this week’s LV= County Championship loss to Durham. He is set to face the same opponents tomorrow in the CB40.

The right-handed batsman had become skipper on his return to Surrey in late 2009 and last season led the county to championship promotion and CB40 glory.

Rory Hamilton-Brown, right, has given up the Surrey captaincy. Gareth Batty, left, will remain in charge for the rest of the season

Hamilton-Brown told Surrey’s website: “I am honoured to have captained Surrey.

“It has been a privilege to have been in charge of a fantastic group of players and what we achieved together is a great source of pride to me, particularly our unprecedented record of only one defeat in 20 Clydesdale Bank 40 matches.

“I am only 24 and would now like to concentrate on my own game and try to achieve ambitions I have in the game by continuing to play well for Surrey.”

Surrey team director Chris Adams added: “I would like to thank Rory for everything he has achieved during his three years as captain.

“Winning a Lord’s final and securing promotion to Division One in 2011 were both fantastic achievements.

“He has undoubted talent and a desire to take his game to the next level. I hope he achieves all his ambitions within the game in the years to come.”

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