Lancashire re-appoint Chilton as captain

Mark Chilton is aiming for the Championship next season © Getty Images

Lancashire have confirmed that Mark Chilton will continue as captain in 2007. Chilton, 30, is going into his 11th season at the county and has captained them for the last two years.

"It is a great honour," he said. "I have enjoyed the job thoroughly and I continue to learn and to improve. We were close to winning things last season and the objective now is clear, to go that one step further."

Lancashire's manager Mike Watkinson added: "Mark works tirelessly on and off the field, and is respected throughout the game for his leadership qualities. He is a deep-thinking and courteous person, but he also has a steely inner nature and is never fazed by tough situations or bullish characters in the game and he never shies away from difficult decisions.

"Out in the middle, Mark is determined to lead from the front. He remains hugely ambitious, for the club and for himself."

Lancashire were runners-up in both the County Championship and the Natwest Trophy last season, and have recently secured the signature of Muttiah Muralitharan for 2007.