BRADFORD-born Gareth Batty has been appointed as Surrey's permanent captain as they bid for promotion from County Championship Division Two.
The 37-year-old former Keighley and Bradford & Bingley player has had the role before but only on a temporary basis, such as during a traumatic 2013 after the death of Tom Maynard.
An off-spinner and capable batsman, Batty began his career at Yorkshire before moving to Surrey in the late 1990s. But it was with Worcestershire in 2002-09 that he flourished, winning 18 caps in total for England in the three formats.
Surrey director of cricket Alec Stewart said: "Gareth is a very honest man, of fine character and a good leader. He has the respect of the dressing room and the club is proud to have him.
"It is a huge honour to be appointed the captain of Surrey County Cricket Club and we have every confidence that he will lead the team forward."
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