TOM Moody today put the record straight over Worcestershire's decision to replace Graeme Hick as captain.

The County's director of cricket said: "The issues surrounding the decision by the club to change direction with its captaincy have been somewhat clouded.

"I would like to make it clear that the team's disappointment on narrowly missing out on promotion and settling for runners-up in the NCL was not down to Graeme's captaincy. It was purely down to a team trying to cope with the loss of an overseas player at the crunch time of the season.

"Shane Lee was seen as an ideal choice but unfortunately I and the club were desperately let down by him and his fitness.

"Both Graeme and myself had discussed the captaincy position on a few occasions during the last two seasons.

"It became clear during those discussions that, at times, Graeme felt he was not ideally suited to the role.

"He had indicated during these discussions that maybe it was time to consider his position as the club captain.

"I hope supporters of the club would now respect the decision and will allow Graeme and the club to look forward to an exciting 2003 season and beyond."