Stephen Eskinazi to lead Middlesex in Bob Willis Trophy

London, July 22 (IANS) Middlesex Cricket have announced that Stephen Eskinazi will lead the side in the regionalised four-day ‘Bob Willis Trophy competition this year, while experienced all-rounder Toby Roland-Jones will serve as his deputy.

The Bob Willis Trophy begins on August 1 and has replaced the traditional County Championship this summer due to the impact of COVID-19 pandemic.

The club recently confirmed that Australian Peter Handscomb, who was scheduled to join the club in the role of four-day and fifty-over captain for a two-year term in 2020 and 2021, had agreed to defer this contract with the club to 2021 and 2022 in light of the current coronavirus pandemic.

Head coach Stuart Law said: “Steve was the obvious choice for me as the captain of our squad in Pete Handscomb’s absence. Last year when Steve stood in for us, the team played really well and with a smile on their face and had immediate success. Good signs for sure and I look forward to working with him again this season.”

Speaking of the appointment of Roland-Jones as vice-captain, Law said: “Toby is a leader and a much loved and respected member in the dressing room. I look forward to him leading this group in partnership with Steve, and help mould this squad into the team they can be.”

Both Eskinazi and Roland-Jones will have the opportunity to develop their leadership partnership ahead of season restart initially at the Kia Oval, when Middlesex take on Surrey in a two-day red-ball pre-season friendly starting on July 26.

–IANS

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