OLLIE Clarke has succeeded Jonny Cater as red ball captain for Oxfordshire ahead of the 2023 NCCA Championship season.

Cater will remain as captain in T20 and 50 over cricket, and will be supported by Clarke as vice-captain in white ball cricket.

Cater announced his retirement from NCCA Championship cricket earlier this month, having played 49 matches for the county since his debut in 2011.

He led Oxfordshire to the NCCA Championship in 2021 and cited supporting his young family as a reason for his retirement from red ball cricket.

READ AGAIN: Oxfordshire captain Jonny Cater retires from red ball cricket

On replacing Cater, Clarke told the Oxfordshire Cricket website: “It is a great privilege to be appointed as Oxfordshire captain for the NCCA Championship XI.

“It is an exciting time for cricket in Oxfordshire with club sides at the top of the HCPCL [Home Counties Premier Cricket League] and so many talented young players coming through our pathway into both NCCA and first-class cricket.

“I am very fortunate to be taking over from Jonny Cater. The transformation in the side since he took over as captain is remarkable and largely down to the work that he has put in on and off the pitch.

“It is disappointing that he will not be playing for us next season, but I respect his decision to spend more time with his young family.

“I am particularly excited to work more closely with Rupert Evans. He has had such an enormous influence on my cricket since I joined the Oxfordshire pathway.

“The ethos that he has created as coach is fantastic and people genuinely love playing cricket for him.

“I hope that this is something we are able to carry forward through my tenure as captain.

“Since joining the county as part of the pathway, I have always loved playing cricket for Oxfordshire and look forward to the new challenge ahead, looking to lead a side to recreate the success that Jonny has been able to achieve over the past few seasons.”

Head coach Evans added: “Since his debut, Ollie has developed into a three-dimensional player who has produced many match-winning performances for the county.

“He has gained captaincy experience over the past few seasons as captain of the county second X1.

“He also captained the first team in the showcase game against Sussex at Hove in 2021, and against Wiltshire in the Championship game at South Wilts in 2021.

“Ollie is well-respected by his teammates and opponents.

“I am pleased he has been appointed to succeed Jonny Cater and I’m looking forward to supporting him in his new role.”