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James Hopes installed as Queensland captain

The allrounder James Hopes has been awarded the Queensland captaincy after Chris Simpson stood down

Cricinfo staff
07-Sep-2010
James Hopes is now in charge of the Bulls  •  Getty Images

James Hopes is now in charge of the Bulls  •  Getty Images

The allrounder James Hopes has been awarded the Queensland captaincy after Chris Simpson stood down on Monday night following two testing seasons in charge. Hopes will be the state's 49th captain and will mix the job with his limited-overs appointments with the national team.
Simpson, an offspinning allrounder, was a calm and thoughtful leader but struggled individually with bat and ball while in charge. Under his guidance the Bulls made two Pura Cup finals and won the FR Cup in 2008-09, but ultimately the side required someone who could provide guaranteed contributions in all formats.
"I accepted the role because I felt we needed the stability now in the group,'' Hopes said. "Chris has stood aside to concentrate on his one-day cricket, not ruling out the possibility of playing four-day cricket too I'm sure, so my appointment is one of stability. If you look at us, I'm probably the most senior player in the group but I'm also confident we have got the players in the squad that can take over if I am required for Australian duty."
Hopes averages around 30 with bat and ball in 61 first-class matches and also has the advantage of being a proven performer during 83 one-day internationals. He has captained Queensland in an FR Cup match and three Twenty20 games.
No vice-captain has been appointed. Queensland's first game of the season is a split-innings one-dayer against Tasmania at the Gabba on October 6.