Chris Dent steps down as Gloucestershire captain

The opening batsman, who succeeded Gareth Roderick in 2018, led Gloucestershire to promotion from Division Two in 2019 for the first time since 2004

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Chris Dent has stepped down as club captain of Gloucestershire after four years in the role.

The opening batsman, who succeeded Gareth Roderick in 2018, led Gloucestershire to red-ball promotion from Division Two in 2019 for the first time since 2004, only to be denied a shot at the top tier by the coronavirus pandemic.

This season, Gloucestershire began well in the Coutny Championship and led their pool after early wins over Surrey, Somerset and Middlesex, only to tail off and end up in the second group after the three conferences were split after 10 rounds of fixtures. Under Dent, they have won seven first-class matches in 2021 – the most wins for the club in a four-day campaign since Mark Alleyne oversaw 11 victories as captain in 1998.

Dent, who was appointed by Richard Dawson and worked this season under interim head coach Ian Harvey, has also led Gloucestershire in List A cricket since 2018, winning 11 of 20 matches and qualifying for the quarter-finals of the 2021 Royal London Cup despite a Covid outbreak that saw their clash with Middlesex cancelled.

He said: “My aim when I took over the captaincy was to do all I can to help the team and the club progress and I am really proud of what we have achieved in the last four years.

“It has truly been a team effort, from the squad and coaching staff to everyone in the main office and behind the scenes. The help and guidance I have had from everyone at the club has made my job so much easier.”

James Bracey, who was named as Dent’s vice-captain at the start of the summer, will lead Gloucestershire in their final game of the season against Durham, with the county waiting until the permanent head coach role is filled before naming Dent’s successor.

Harvey added: “His record as captain is hugely impressive. Since taking the role, Denty has dedicated his time to bettering the team, prioritising every member of the squad ahead of himself.

“Chris will continue to be a leader in the dressing room and a role model to the younger players coming through. The club are fortunate to have such a quality top-order batter and brilliant fielder so committed to the team and the search for trophies.”

With 9,689 first-class runs at an average of 37.40, including 18 centuries and 58 half-centuries, Dent has established himself as one of the most reliable opening batsmen on the county circuit.

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