Rory Hamilton-Brown joins Surrey as captain from Sussex

Hamilton-Brown is a former England Under-19 captain

Surrey have named Rory Hamilton-Brown as their new captain after he was released from his contract by Sussex.

The 22-year-old, who left Surrey for Hove in 2008, has signed a three-year contract at The Oval.

He said: "It's no exaggeration to say that returning to Surrey as captain is the dream of a lifetime for me.

"I will make sure that I fulfil the confidence Surrey have shown in me and I am determined to help bring the club success in the future."

He added: "It has taken a considerable amount of soul-searching to reach this decision and I'd like to place on record my sincere thanks to Sussex for the fantastic support they have given me and their understanding of my final decision."

Hamilton-Brown made his debut for Surrey in 2005 and moved to Hove three years later where he played under then-Sussex captain Chris Adams, who is now cricket manager at The Oval.

And Adams, who saw his side led by six different men last season, is hoping the arrival of the off-spinning all-rounder will help bring stability to the club.

Adams said: "To me, captains have to have certain attributes such as charisma, a galvanising spirit, intelligent and tactical brains and the ability to inspire people to follow them - Rory Hamilton-Brown has these in abundance.

"I am confident that the return of Rory to Surrey at the start of a new decade will come to be seen as a defining moment in the turnaround of this club."

Hamilton-Brown played just eight first-class games for Sussex during his time at Hove but professional cricket manager Mark Robinson said he was sad to see him go.

606: DEBATE

If he does make a success of the job, and his own development as a player continues, he will put himself in the frame for the England role in the not too distant future

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"Our aim since we signed Rory was to work with his undoubted potential to create an England cricketer and we believe we have made good progress along that path," he said.

"Our view remains that he would have been best served remaining with Sussex as a key part of our first-team squad, in all forms of the game for 2010, to achieve that ambition.

"However, Rory is adamant he would like to take this opportunity to captain Surrey and given the importance of our strong united team spirit in the dressing room, myself and the captain believe it is best for Sussex to allow him to move.

"Rory has been a pleasure to work with during his two seasons at Sussex and the whole coaching staff wish him all the best in his new role."