Somerset Cricket Club are moving to ensure they are not lost in transition where Cup Match is concerned.

The champions of the mid-summer classic yesterday announced a change in captaincy with long-standing skipper Albert Steede passing the leadership mantle to Janeiro Tucker, the team?s vice-captain in recent years.

Somerset?s Chairman of Cricket, Anthony Bailey, told a press conference yesterday the time was ripe for change as Steede was bowing out of domestic cricket after this season and the club wanted to effect the shift at the top on home territory.

?It?s not an easy decision but it?s a good one as this year?s Cup Match is being hosted in Somerset (July 29 and 30),? he said, addressing the media in Victoria Park.

Club president Colin Smith explained they felt it imperative to groom a new skipper in Somerset before they travel to St. George?s for next year?s cricket spectacle.

Smith and Bailey thanked Steede for providing stability and guidance to their Cup Match unit in his six years as captain. Somerset vice-president Alfred Maybury welcomed Tucker?s promotion, saying he expected the rampant stroke-maker to excel even further now.

Tucker, 29, follows in the footsteps of his well-known father, John, who savoured Cup Match glory at the helm of Somerset.

?This really surprised me. I expected to take over next year but I guess they decided something else. It?s a pleasure to be captain of Cup Match. It?s always a dream of mine,? said the new captain, adding that he hopes to rise to the occasion in his performances.

His primary objective he noted was not to lose the coveted trophy this summer even if there was no outright victory.

Asked if he would like to see Steede ? whom he hailed as ?a good mentor? ? in the line-up, he replied: ?Most definitely. He is a very explosive batsman who can hold his own very well.

?Once St. George?s see a player like Steede they give respect.?

Announcing his availability for one final Cup Match, Steede pledged his support to Tucker, noting there was ?no better successor?.

The 36-year-old said that in his last domestic season his goal was to help the young players at his club Western Stars which is also in transition.

?There are not as many seniors there as there were last year so my responsibility is that much greater.

?My personal goal is to ensure I do well for the team and make sure I get sufficient runs for us to be successful.?

The return of two-day cricket, he noted, would be challenging for the youth and he hoped to assist them in adjusting to that also.

?That?s going to be tough. There?s only a handful of people who have played two-day cricket in the Island so I?m sure this weekend is going to be an eye-opener,? said Steede.