TOM Smith has stepped down as captain of Lancashire with Steven Croft appointed as his replacement.

Chorley’s Smith was only named skipper 12 months ago but led out the Red Rose just once - in the opening match of the season at Derbyshire - before a back injury ruled him out for the remainder of the campaign.

The 29-year-old all-rounder has now decided to focus on his return to fitness rather than skippering the side.

Smith said: “This was a very tough decision for me to make but I feel it is the right one.

“It was a great honour to be appointed captain last year but I feel that my main focus for now must be to get myself fit for next season.

“Crofty has proved that he is a good leader and I wish him all the best in the role.

“I’m determined to get myself back out onto the field and, as a senior player, will be there for Crofty offering my support at all times.”

Croft, 31, who stood in as captain during Smith’s absence and led Lancashire to T20 Blast glory, admitted his delight at the appointment was tempered by the circumstances in which he has been given the armband.

The spinner said: “I’d like to pay tribute to Tom, who is a great friend and an extremely professional team-mate. He worked very closely with me last year and I’m looking forward to him getting back to full fitness.

“It must have been a very difficult decision for him but I am delighted to have been asked to become captain.

“It’s a real privilege and I’m honoured to take it on.”

Lancashire secured promotion back to the County Championship Division One last season as well as earning success in the shorter format of the game. Red Rose head coach Ashley Giles believes the captaincy switch won’t have an affect on the side, adding that Smith will remain a key part of the squad.

He said: “This has been an incredibly tough decision for Tom to make but it is important that his focus is on getting fit for the new season.

“Tom’s experience will be crucial to Steven and he will very much remain a key member of our leadership team.

“I’d also like to congratulate Steven on his appointment. He showed great maturity in what was a successful season for Lancashire.”

Meanwhile, Lancashire spinner Simon Kerrigan is targeting a pre-season return after being sidelined by a back injury.

The spinner suffered the setback towards the end of last season and will now be rested until the new year.

Kerrigan, who took 41 wickets for Lancashire last season across 14 matches, said: “It’s frustrating not being able to train with the lads.

“But I’m hopeful that following this period of rest I can undergo my rehab with a view to resuming bowling in the pre-season.”

Old Trafford physiotherapist Sam Byrne added: “Simon experienced some low back pain towards the end of last season, and after further investigation it was found he had a lumbar stress reaction.

“He is currently undergoing a period of rest until the new year to allow the condition to settle, with a view to starting a rehabilitation programme thereafter.”