Westwood to skipper Warwickshire

Ian Westwood cuts in the Friends Provident Trophy clash with Nottinghamshire

Ian Westwood will captain Warwickshire next season on their return to LV County Championship Division One.

The 26-year-old opening batsman replaces Darren Maddy, who relinquishes the role after two years in the job.

Westwood deputised for Maddy in 10 matches in the middle of last season, when the former Leicestershire and England batsman was sidelined by a broken thumb.

Westwood said: “It is a great honour to be given this opportunity and I am thoroughly excited about the prospect.

“I had a taste of the captaincy when Darren was injured last year and am delighted to have been asked to take the role on full-time.

“Under Darren the team has made real strides and it is a great time to be taking over.

“I am looking forward to the challenges ahead and leading the Bears to further success.”

Westwood’s form was a mixed bag in 2008. He scored 506 runs in 11 championship matches, with a brilliant 176 against Glamorgan.

He led the Bears in six Twenty20 Cup matches, but scored only 63 runs in the competition and did not play in the quarter-final defeat to Kent Spitfires.

Maddy, who has played three Tests and 12 limited-overs internationals for England, moved to Edgbaston for the 2007 season. He was appointed skipper after just one championship match on Heath Streak’s resignation.

Warwickshire were relegated from the championship in his first season in charge, a campaign which prompted the arrival of Ashley Giles as director of cricket and Allan Donald to the coaching staff.

Darren Maddy (left) and Ashley Giles have presided over an upturn in Warwickshire's fortunes

Maddy led a thrilling run chase in the opening game of the 2008 season, and Warwickshire did not look back, winning Division Two and remaining unbeaten in the championship all season.

Maddy said: “I have really enjoyed my two years as club captain and feel I have taken the team as far as I can.

“I feel that I am leaving the team and the club in a stronger position than when I took over.

“It’s been a fantastic to lead such a big club but all good things have to come to an end and I believe now is an appropriate time to hand over the reins.

“I know Ian is keen to maintain the good progress that the team has shown in the last 12 months.”

Giles added: “I have to start by thanking Darren for his efforts in leading the team over the last two years.

“He has been and will remain a hugely important player in the future of Warwickshire cricket.

“For Ian it is an exciting time and a challenging role but he has already shown the capabilities to lead the team into a new and successful era.”