Northants plump for Boje

Nicky Boje

Northamptonshire have appointed former South Africa all-rounder Nicky Boje as their captain for the 2008 season.

Boje averaged over 41 with the bat with a top score of 125 during four LV County Championship matches during 2007 and he also took 16 wickets at an average of 23.

During 43 Tests he claimed 100 wickets at an average of 42.65 and scored 1,312 runs at an average of 25.23.

Boje replaces David Sales as skipper after he stepped down at the end of last month.

Boje said: “Being asked to captain Northants is a great honour and one I could not have imagined just a few days ago.

“I thoroughly enjoyed my short time at the club last year and I was delighted to be able to make a contribution.

“I look forward to leading a very strong team and target promotion to division one of the championship and the Pro40 as the main objectives.”

Northamptonshire chief executive Mark Tagg added: “It is clear that we need an experienced capable captain who can bring the best out of the talents available.

“With David Sales taking himself out of contention the unanimous choice of the board is that Nicky Boje should be asked to take up the challenge.”