Smith Handed The Durham Reins
Smith - the man in charge.
Will Smith has been named as Durham's new captain.
The 26-year-old replaces Dale Benkenstein, who stepped down after leading the side to their first County Championship title in 2008.
Smith, who joined Durham from Nottinghamshire in 2007, finished this season as the county's player of the year having averaged over 50 and notching up three centuries.
He said: "I am delighted and honoured to be taking over as captain of Durham CCC.
"The County has a proud tradition and to follow, amongst others, David Graveney, David Boon, Jon Lewis, Mike Hussey and of course Dale in captaining the side fills me with pride and excitement at the challenges that lie ahead.
"Having tasted the historic success of the past two seasons, I am determined to see that the Club continue to make similar strides on the field, and I will do everything possible to ensure that the 2009 season picks up where 2008 left off."
Head coach Geoff Cook believes Smith is capable of building on Benkenstein's successful reign as captain, which also included a Friends Provident Trophy triumph in 2007.
Cook said: "Will is a great chap with a great cricketing mind who is committed to the Club and I'm sure that his previous captaining experience, in addition to the support of the senior players in the squad, will prove to be invaluable as he takes on this new challenge.
"We obviously took Dale's recommendation very seriously and look forward to starting the new season with Will as captain.
"Dale has been an excellent leader, bringing home three trophies in the past two seasons, as well as playing an integral role in developing the younger members of the squad, which he will continue to do for the next few years.
"We would like to thank him for his dedication and commitment to the club."
Benkenstein added: "I have thoroughly enjoyed captaining Durham for the past three years but I really felt like the time was right to pass on the reigns and I think Will is the best possible candidate to take over.
"I've always known Durham as being a Club that wants to continue moving forward and this is definitely a positive move for us.
"I'm sure there are plenty more good times ahead and I'm looking forward to focusing on my performances on the pitch."