STEVE Rhodes will captain Worcestershire next season when Graeme Hick is away on England duty.

The decision to make Rhodes vice-captain was announced by the County today.

Hick is to remain skipper despite being one of 12 players who have been awarded central contracts by the England and Wales Cricket Board.

New Road secretary Mike Vockins said: "The important contribution Graeme makes to our cricket, the leadership qualities he has shown when deputising for Tom Moody in the last two seasons, and the respect he has within our dressing room confirmed for the committee the positive benefits of him continuing as County captain.

"Clearly it was important we considered the effect Graeme's England contract could have on his availability for the County.

"We concluded that, in a season where there are seven Test matches and possibly seven one-day internationals, his availability for us will be little different whether or not he has an England contract."

Hick said: "I'm delighted the club has given me this vote of confidence. All who know me will be aware of my commitment to Worcestershire.

"It's encouraging that the club recognises I still have an important contribution to make to our cricket here.

"Obviously, I'm pleased to be back in the frame again as far as England's cricket is concerned but that won't lessen my commitment to Worcestershire.

"The team will have a positive and experienced leader in Steve if I'm not around and I know he is looking forward to the challenge.

"He and I are good friends, we understand each other and work well together and we have similar and positive views about our cricket here at Worcester.

"This summer we look forward to having the added strength of Glenn McGrath's bowling, plus the benefit of the valuable experience which Alamgir Sheriyar and Vikram Solanki gained on their recent winter tours."

Rhodes began last season as Worcestershire's acting captain because of Hick and Moody's World Cup duties.

Worcestershire leave on Sunday for a week's training in Portugal, although Hick will be returning a couple of days earlier to join an England training camp.