Ben Brown is taking over as Sussex captain for their County Championship campaign.

And Ross Taylor will lead the side in the forthcoming NatWest T20 Blast.

The county have opted to split the captaincy role after Luke Wright stepped down recently.

Wright’s former vice-captain Brown takes over when Gloucestershire visit Hove for a day-night Championship fixture starting on Monday.

He proved his fitness after a recent hand injury when playing in Chris Nash’s testimonial at Horsham on Wednesday.

The 28-year-old wicketkeeper said: “For someone who has been associated with Sussex for so long being appointed as captain is a very proud moment for me.

“I enjoyed the challenge of captaining the side last season but I feel in the last 12 months that the team has grown with a good core of senior players.

“Of course, I have my own ideas about how I want to lead the side but I also know there are some very solid cricketers in our dressing room who can give me support and advice if I need it.

“It’s an exciting time. We have eight Championship games left but we go into Monday’s match against Gloucestershire with some real momentum. If we keep playing as we have in recent weeks the table will take care of itself and we can challenge for promotion.”

Taylor, 33, was widely expected to get the T20 role.

The New Zealander has played 63 T20 internationals and last year he scored more than 400 runs for the Sharks in the NatWest T20 Blast.

He said: “I am very proud to be appointed captain of the Sharks for this season’s competition.

“I know the club and the players well from my time at The 1st Central County Ground, Hove in 2016 and I am looking forward to joining up with the boys again.

“I believe we have a very exciting squad for this format and one that can challenge any team in the competition.”