Saffron Walden Cricket Club have a new captain of their first team for the first time in five years.

Ben Harris chose to step down from the role at the end of the season and chairman David Barrs announced that Josh Downs would take his place.

He said: "We are pleased to announce that Josh, last year's vice captain, has accepted the role as captain for 2023 and I wish him every success.

"I’d also like to thank Ben for all he has given the club. He has been fantastic."

The 29-year-old Down joined the Anglo-American Playing Fields-based club from Dunmow in 2016.

He is a natural left-handed batsman who also bowls off-spin and was part of the Essex county academy between the ages of 12 and 17.

Down said: "It’s not just a great opportunity but a great honour to lead this club with such a grand cricketing history.

"I’d like to thank Ben for doing a great job in getting the side back into the East Anglian Premier League and cementing our position in it.

"Last year we were competitive but inconsistent and this year my aim is to get an extra few percent out of our group of players."

The new skipper is hoping for "additional X factor" to come from the club's new overseas player.

Jake Fraser-McGurk arrives in May fresh from playing in the Australian Big Bash for Melbourne Renegades.