Another changing of the guard has taken place at Somerset Cricket Club as all-rounder Dominic Sabir has replaced Alje Richardson as captain of the club’s league team.

Richardson, the son of former coach Jeff Richardson, relinquished the post during the off-season, with Sabir grasping the opportunity to fill the vacant leadership role.

Richard Scott, the Somerset president, made the announcement in a press release.

“Somerset Cricket Club is pleased to officially announce that Dominic Sabir has been appointed as captain of the senior league team. Dominic succeeds Alje Richardson, who notified the executive committee in December 2024 of his intentions to step down as senior league team captain for the upcoming BCB domestic season,” he wrote.

“We are indeed pleased that Dominic has accepted the appointment, and we look forward to his leadership prowess as SCC league team captain on full display both on and off the field.

“Cricket chairman Norbert Simons, in consultation with newly appointed head cricket coach Janeiro Tucker, made the recommendation to have Dominic succeed Alje, and their recommendation was fully supported and ratified by the SCC executive and management committee.

“Many thanks to Alje for his leadership as captain last season. We look forward to his support on the field again this season.

“Congrats to Dominic and we look forward to him leading as SCC look to continue to build and to develop the cricket programme at 6 Cricket Lane.”

Tucker was officially named as Somerset’s coach in February, while Simons operated jointly with Mike Corday last season before fully taking charge when the latter stepped away from his longtime role.

Richardson leaves an almost impeccable record as coach in the Annual Classic since helping Somerset to regain the cup in 2012, signing off with a convincing 226-run victory at Somerset last year.