Coetzer named Northants T20 captain

Kyle Coetzer has been appointed captain to lead Northamptonshire's defence of their T20 title in the absence of Alex Wakely.

With Wakely out injured for the season with a ruptured Achilles tendon, Northants have turned to Coetzer as they attempt to carry their 2013 form into the new NatWest T20 Blast.

Coetzer has captained Scotland recently and will again lead Scotland against England in the opening international of the summer in Aberdeen.

Coetzer was key part of Northants' T20 success last season. He was their second-highest run-scorer in their T20 triumph last season with 337 runs at 30.63.

"I am very excited about the challenge of captaining the side in defence of the T20 title," Coetzer said. "We had a fantastic time in the competition last season and hopefully we can repeat that again this year. My previous captaincy experience should stand me in good stead."

Northants Cricket Head Coach, David Ripley added: "Kyle is a very level headed lad, has a consistent personality and he will continue Alex's calm style of captaincy. He has also captained Scotland and we will benefit from that experience."

Northants get their campaign underway against Yorkshire at Headingley on Friday May 16.