Chapple to lead Lancashire again

Glen Chapple, the Lancashire pace bowler, will continue as captain for the 2012 season. Last year he led Lancashire to their first outright County Championship title in 77 years.

Having been appointed captain in 2009, Chapple led Lancashire to fourth place in 2009 and 2010 before last season's triumph. He will now take charge of the county's campaign for an eighth title.

"I am proud to be the captain of this great club," said Chapple. "I look forward to leading this group of talented players into what we hope will be another exciting year."

Chapple, 37, enjoyed a vintage 2011, taking 57 first-class wickets - his highest haul in a season - at 19.75. He also scored 380 runs, including 97 against Hampshire at Aigburth, as he was named player of the season for the second year running.

"Glen is an outstanding captain," said the Lancashire head coach Peter Moores. "We have forged a fantastic working relationship which I am looking forward to continuing over the coming year. His captaincy - tactically - and his ability to deal with people, have been key factors in our development over the last few seasons.

"His greatest strength is he trusts and respects his players, which gives confidence to everyone in the set-up."

Lancashire's cricket director, Mike Watkinson, also praised Chapple's leadership. "Glen leads by example and has inspired the team through his leadership and performance culminating in 2011 being a historic year for the club," he said. "He is the ideal man to captain the club in 2012 as we look to build on our recent success."