Ackerman captains Leicestershire

I hope I can help to bring out the best in all the players HD Ackerman

Former South Africa Test batsman Hylton Ackerman has been named Leicestershire captain for the 2005 season.

He succeeds Australian Brad Hodge, who decided to leave the club at the end of last season and has joined Lancashire.

Ackerman, who signed a three-year contract last month, has extensive captaincy experience in South African domestic cricket.

The 31-year-old was preferred to all-rounder Darren Maddy, who will serve as his deputy.

Ackerman, known by his initials HD, joined the club under the terms of the Kolpak ruling and will not count as one of the club's overseas players.

He said: "My father played for Northamptonshire, so I am delighted to have been given the chance to follow in his footsteps and play county cricket. It's a fantastic opportunity."

THE KOLPAK RULING Any citizen of a country with an associate agreement with the EU has the same rights as a European worker

The 31-year-old added: "I hope I can help to bring out the best in all the players at Leicestershire. I am not one of those guys who stand at fine leg and fall asleep. I like to be involved.

"I have already chatted to Darren and I look forward to the two of us working together and, hopefully, helping Leicestershire to a successful season."

Ackerman led Western Province to success in both the Super Sports Series and one-day cricket during his three years as captain while Gauteng won the one-day trophy under his leadership.

He is in form this season too, having recently scored a magnificent 180 for Gauteng against his former side Western Province last week.

Ackerman hit 52 in his first Test innings against Pakistan in 1998, but only made three more appearances at international level.

He has a good first-class record, however, having made more than 7,000 runs at an average of 41, including 18 centuries.