WORCESTERSHIRE opener Daryl Mitchell has been relieved of his captaincy duties after six seasons.

The 32-year-old, who replaced Vikram Solanki towards the end of the 2010 campaign, said he “disagreed” with the decision to replace him - but respected it.

Mitchell is being succeeded by Joe Leach who is relishing the challenges that lie ahead at New Road.

Leach had been vice-captain for the past 12 months.

The 25-year-old has had a season to remember, finishing as leading wicket-taker in Division Two of the Specsavers County Championship with 65 victims and scoring neary 600 runs.

Leach said: "It is a great honour to be made captain and a great opportunity to take on a young improving squad.

"Hopefully we will go from strength to strength as a squad over the next few years.

"I would like to pay tribute to Daryl who has done a fantastic job, got us two promotions and to quarter-finals, and I look forward to working with him as a senior player."

Badsey-born Mitchell led Worcestershire to promotion at the end of the 2010 season and repeated the feat in 2014 in addition to reaching the quarter-finals of the NatWest T20 Blast on three occasions.

Worcestershire director of cricket Steve Rhodes said: "I have enjoyed working with Mitch for six years in the captain-coach relationship.

"We have gone through lots of ups and downs but I felt the team going forward needed a fresh start and input from a different source regarding the captaincy.

"I hope Daryl can continue to play a key role as one of our most accomplished and experienced batsmen."

 Rhodes added: "I am looking forward to enjoying a good working relationship with Joe.

"He has had an exceptional season. He was already vice-captain and has got key attributes which will help with captaining the side."

Mitchell, a life-long Worcestershire supporter, passed 10,000 first class runs in his career at an average of nearly 40 during the penultimate home game of the campaign against Northamptonshire.

He is currently in his benefit year with the County.

Mitchell said: "Although I disagree with Bumpy’s decision, I do fully respect it and know it has been made with the very best intentions for Worcestershire moving forward.

"I would like to thank Bumpy for giving me the opportunity to fulfil a childhood dream of becoming captain of our great club.

"I would also like to thank all the players for the efforts they’ve put in and the support they’ve given me during my tenure as captain. It has been an honour to lead each and every one of them."