All-rounder Luke Procter is to remain Northamptonshire’s County Championship captain for a fourth season.

Procter, 37, took on the role in 2023 and last summer scored 787 runs, including two centuries, and took 18 wickets.

New signing Nathan McSweeney will be Procter’s vice-captain and the 26-year-old Australian will be available for the entire season.

“Nathan possesses clear leadership qualities with plenty of experience in captaincy and leadership in Australia,” head coach Darren Lehmann told the club website, external.

“We see him as someone who can offer great support to Proccy, who does a brilliant job leading the team in red-ball cricket.”

Northamptonshire will host Lancashire in their opening Championship Division Two game of the new season, starting on 3 April.