WICKET-KEEPER batsman Jonny Cater has been appointed Oxfordshire's new captain.

The 27-year-old replaces Luke Ryan, who stepped down in November after four years in the role.

Cater, who plays for Buckingham in the Home Counties Premier League, had been vice captain since 2013.

He has made 50 appearances since his debut in 2011, scoring 2,619 runs, including 17 half centuries and five tons.

Cater said: “I am honoured to be given the opportunity to captain Oxfordshire CCC. 

"It was a decision which didn’t take much persuading, I thoroughly enjoyed my role as vice captain over the past three seasons and I see it as a natural progression to now lead the side moving into the 2017 season."

Banbury skipper Lloyd Sabin, 22, has been named vice captain.

Chris Clements  chairman of Oxfordshire Cricket, said: “I am delighted that Jonny has accepted the role as Oxfordshire's captain in all forms of the game, he has an incredible hunger for the role and has always impressed when standing in as captain in recent years. 

"He is a deeply committed individual who will no doubt look to continue the recent period of success Oxfordshire have enjoyed.”