Middlesex skipper Shaun Udal stands down

Udal made his first-class debut for Middlesex in 1989

Middlesex skipper Shaun Udal has stood down with immediate effect, to be replaced short term by Adam Gilchrist.

Former Australia Test star Gilchrist will captain the side for the next six games before South African Neil Dexter takes over the role more permanently.

Middlesex are currently second bottom of Division Two in the County Championship and have lost their first two games in the FP t20.

Former England international, Udal, 41, was in his second season as skipper.

Udal came out of retirement to join Middlesex in 2008, having agreed to take the captaincy at the end of that season following Ed Smith's retirement through injury.

Shaun is an intelligent and articulate man and he feels the team needs a change in leadership

Angus Fraser, Middlesex managing director of cricket

But his first full season in charge saw them finish bottom-but-one in the County Championship, a position they are struggling to improve on in 2010.

Middlesex managing director of cricket, Angus Fraser, said: "Shaun cares passionately about how Middlesex performs and has worked extremely hard to turn the team into a winning outfit but the indifferent cricket we continue to play has worn him down.

"It has affected his bowling too. Shaun is an intelligent and articulate man and he feels the team needs a change in leadership.

"His decision is respected by everyone at Middlesex who would all like to thank him for the commitment he has shown during his time in charge.

"Shaun is not having the best of seasons but he still has a role to play on the field. Unless I hear otherwise he is available for selection for teams that will be picked on merit."

Udal said: "Letting go of something like that is extremely difficult but Angus Fraser and I have agreed that this is the best way forward for the club.

Everything about Adam is world class

Angus Fraser on Adam Gilchrist

"I would like to continue playing for Middlesex and will give my full support to both Adam Gilchrist and Neil Dexter."

Gilchrist takes charge of the side for five FP t20 matches and a 50-over match against Australia at Lord's on 19 June.

Fraser said: "It would be foolish for Middlesex not to make use of one of the most experienced and respected cricketers the game has produced whilst he is at the club.

"Everything about Adam is world class. Since his arrival he has had an extremely positive effect on the dressing room."

Dexter, 25, who joined Middlesex from Kent in 2008, will take charge for the rest of the summer once Gilchrist leaves.