Moxon resigns at Yorkshire

Cricket

Martin Moxon, the former England opener, has resigned as Yorkshire captain after six years.

The 35-year-old, who has played in 10 Tests and eight one-day internationals, is stepping down despite one of Yorkshire's most successful seasons in years.

The Barnsley-born Moxon guided Yorkshire to the NatWest Trophy semi-finals and to eighth in the championship. But Moxon, who finished with a first- class average of 76.27, insisted: "It's time for a fresh face to try and turn us from nearly men to a side that can actually win things."

A statement from Yorkshire read: "At the meeting of the Yorkshire County Club Committee today Martin Moxon relinquished the captaincy of the Yorkshire team. Having held the position for six years he decided that the interests of the club might be better served if he became the senior professional and in this changed role he fully intends to support the new captain and help the young players."

Brian Close also resigned as chairman of the county's cricket committee, though he stays on both the committee and the Test and County Board cricket committee. Bob Platt, the former Yorkshire player, has succeeded Close as cricket chairman, but no decision on Moxon's replacement will be made until next week.