Yardy quits Sussex captaincy

By Bruce Talbot

Mike Yardy is stepping down as Sussex captain with immediate effect. The 31-year-old will lead the side in the finals of the Friends Life t20 next month but he has handed over the reins in four-day and 40-over cricket to Ed Joyce, starting tomorrow when Sussex face Worcestershire at Hove in the LV County Championship.

Yardy led Sussex to three trophies after succeeding the long-serving Chris Adams in 2009 but took time out of the game last year to seek treatment for depression. He has been a steadying influence during a period of flux at the county as the all-conquering team of Adams, Mushtaq Ahmed and Co, which won three Championships between 2003 and 2007 began to break up.

He said: “I have decided to step down as captain in order to concentrate on my own game. There are many things I still wish to achieve as a player which will also hopefully help contribute to the team winning more silverware.

“I would like to say a massive thank you to everyone for all the effort they have put in over my time as captain and I look forward to leading the team at t20 Finals Day.”

Sussex coach Mark Robinson, who appointed Yardy, praised his former skipper and confirmed that, like his predecessor, Joyce will have the final say on selection.

Robinson said: “Michael has been an incredibly dedicated captain who has worked tirelessly and selfishly for the good of the club. I know he is still incredibly ambitious both for the club and himself and we wish him all the best in fulfilling those goals. Ed Joyce will now take over the captaincy duties until the end of the season with the same responsibilities as Michael had including the final say on selection.”

Joyce is no stranger to leading the side out. While Yardy was receiving treatment for depression in the early weeks of last season he captained the team. But with his 34th birthday less than two months away he may not be the long-term successor, though, with Chris Nash likely to be considered for the role at the end of the season.
 

Date: 31/07/2012 19:45:00 by Bruce Talbot
In: Today | Sussex |