Ben Cox has been appointed as Worcestershire Rapids Vitality Blast captain for all games where Moeen Ali is unavailable due to England commitments.

The Rapids wicket-keeper-batsman will lead the side for the first time this summer in Tuesday’s encounter with Notts Outlaws at Trent Bridge.

Ali, who has now linked up with England for T20 duty, had a big part to play in the appointment and believes Cox will thrive in the role.

“I think Ben can thrive off having the responsibility of being captain," he said.

“I think he is a top guy and is well respected amongst the team, and I think he will lead the boys really well.

“There were several candidates who have done it before, but I think it is nice to give Ben a go, and I’m sure he will go well in the role.

“He has got a good head on his shoulders and a good knowledge of the game.

“Ben has been around for many years now, and he knows the game well. I think he will do an outstanding job.”

Head coach Alex Gidman praised Cox's batting performances so far this season and explains why he fits the bill as skipper.

“Ben is in a great position on the pitch to be able to lead the team," he said.

"Tactically he gets a really good idea of the situation of the game; with the bat, he is batting very maturely in that number five-six spot and being very effective in the game.

“Now we’ve got into the competition, we’ve got a rhythm going, and some excellent role clarity, and Ben is in a great position to be able to run that, to make those decisions as to who is going to be the most effective at certain times of the game.”

Yorkshire Vikings inflicted Rapids' first defeat of their Blast campaign last week as Jonny Bairstow hit 112 to lead his side to a 94-run victory at New Road.

Worcestershire were hoping to return to winning ways last Friday but their game with Northamptonshire Steelbacks at New Road was cancelled due to rain.

Tonight they make the trip to Trent Bridge to face Notts Outlaws, looking to move back up the North Group table, where they currently sit in sixth but with a game in hand on most above them.