 Clarke took a wicket with his first ball in international cricket |
Surrey have appointed all-rounder Rikki Clarke as vice-captain to Mark Butcher for the 2006 season. The 24-year-old, who played two Tests and 17 one-day internationals between 2003-4, is currently touring with the England A team in the West Indies.
"I see him as a bridge between the under 25's and the over 30's in our squad," coach Alan Butcher said.
Clarke added: "It will be a great challenge but I hope to help Surrey reach the heights I know we can."
After winning the Cricket Writer's Club Young Cricketer of the Year award in 2002, Clarke soon made his international debut, but has failed to make an impression, averaging less than ten in one-day games and taking only 10 wickets.
He struck two Championship centuries for Surrey last season and averaged over 40, adding 18 wickets with his medium pace.
"It's a perfect time for us to be looking for someone to take over from Mark in the future," Butcher snr said.
"Rikki's ability and good cricket brain made him the outstanding candidate."
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