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Joe Leach is to stand down as Worcestershire club captain after five seasons in the role.

Leach, 30, will lead the Pears for the last time in their final County Championship fixture of the season against Leicestershire from Tuesday.

He led the county to promotion from Division Two of the Championship in his first season as captain.

"It was a difficult decision," Leach said. "But one I feel is right, not only for myself but the group as well."

Right-arm seamer Leach is set to continue as a player next season.

"I'm immensely proud of what I've managed to achieve in some difficult times for the club over those five years," added Leach.

"I've had a lot of things to deal with on and off the field. Now I guess the time is right to focus on my cricket and get back to really enjoying it and doing the best I can with bat and ball."

Worcestershire have also made their third signing for 2022 - Chester-born former Lancashire Second XI left-arm seamer Ben Gibbon on a two-year deal, to follow the signings of Australia international Matthew Wade and Ed Pollock from Warwickshire.

Gibbon, 21, who has taken 10 wickets in three games in National Counties cricket for Cheshire this season, has joined the Pears following two four-day Second XI Championship games for Worcestershire on trial.

The Pears have also given a new one-year deal to batsman Josh Dell, 23, who was due to play the last two games of the season, but was then forced out after aggravating a broken thumb.