Paul Coughlin will captain Durham Jets in this year’s NatWest T20 Blast competition.
The 24-year-old takes over from Paul Collingwood, who oversaw a magnificent run to last year’s final.
Coughlin’s first match as captain will come this Friday (7 July) at Emirates Riverside as the Jets face Lancashire Lightning in the first match of #Blast17.
He has previously captained Durham against Sri Lanka ‘A’ & was also appointed vice-captain for this season’s Royal London One-Day Cup.
“It’s an honour to captain the club in any format. From growing up, it’s what I’ve always wanted to do,” said Coughlin.
“It’s still early in my career but that makes it feel more special that they’ve put it to me & asked me if I wanted to do the job for the team.
“It’s great to have Colly still around as well & he can push me in the right direction with any help or advice I need.
“I’m really honoured to get the chance to captain at such a young age.”
The all-rounder made his T20 debut against Lancashire in 2014 but rose to prominence during last season’s campaign, playing 12 of his 16 career matches to date.
His hat-trick against Northants Steelbacks meant he became only the second Jets player after Paul Collingwood to achieve the feat.
Overall he took 17 wickets, including a best of 5/42 in that match against the Steelbacks at Wantage Road, and average 21.75 in six innings’ with the bat.
He also gained plaudits for his work in the field & has become recognised as one of the most athletic fielders in the country.
Last year’s efforts saw him gain a place on the ECB’s Pace Programme in South Africa.