FORMER Hampshire seconds all-rounder Richard Morris has been tasked with reviving the fortunes of Bashley after being appointed captain of the Southern Premier outfit.

The 24-year-old, who was on the Rose Bowl staff in 2008 and also represented England at under-17 level, has replaced Andy Neal who stepped down over the winter.

Morris was the mainstay of a fragile Bashley batting line-up last season and hit more than 500 runs as early promise faded before they finished second from bottom of the Premier Division.

Newbury-based Morris told the SPL website: “As a relatively young captain, I am fortunate to have a number of experienced players I can call on for guidance should I wish.

“I think my game has improved as a result of being given more responsibility and I am sure this will continue to be the case now I have been appointed captain.

“The club have been brilliant with me since the day I joined. As a non-New Forest lad, the way in which I was made to feel welcome was a credit to the people involved and I hope I can repay them by leading the club into an exciting new era.

“I hope to create an atmosphere where guys really take ownership of their game. All the squad have played enough cricket to know that you don’t get anywhere without a bit of hard work and I am sure that we will start getting the results we should.

“We have some very talented cricketers at the club and the key for us will be how they apply themselves week in, week out.”