WORCESTERSHIRE captain Daryl Mitchell has admitted he can’t wait for the new season to begin as he aims to lead the team to more success.

Badsey-born Mitchell, 26, took over the captaincy at New Road in August as a temporary replacement for Vikram Solanki.

The New Road side managed to secure promotion to the LV= County Championship Division One on the last day of the season, which rewarded Mitchell with the captaincy and a new four-year contract.

The opening batsman revealed his aims as the new captain and also how proud he was to be selected.

Mitchell, who is currently playing for Cornwall in New Zealand, said: “It was a proud enough moment just to play for my home county, but to lead the team you support is very special. Leading by example is key, both on and off the field, this is something that Vikram did exceptionally well.

“I hope to be switched on tactically throughout the season and will use the senior players for advice.

“I am a pretty approachable character and will be there when needed for all the members of the squad.”

Mitchell, who made his debut for the County in 2005, has become a key figure for the side, averaging over 40 in the past three seasons.

The captain still believes a team effort is needed to take them forward as he explained his ambitions for next season.

He added: “Although captain is an important role, the whole squad will have to work hard to take us forward.

“Realistically staying in Division One of the County Championship has to be a target, it’s something we have struggled to do recently.

“I think we will be looking for an improvement in our one-day form, we showed signs of it at the end of last season but step one will be to qualify from the group stage in the Twenty20 and 40-over competition.”

“I’ve been pretty happy with my own form. I’ve managed to average over 40 in each of the last three seasons in first-class cricket, so consistency has been there, but I would like to kick on and have a really big year.”

Mitchell also insisted that he wanted to stay on at Worcestershire for years to come and that he would relish the chance of an England call-up.

He added: “I’m extremely happy to be playing for my home county and have just signed a four-year contract.

“Hopefully I’ll be able to extend well beyond that but that’s a long way away and we’ll have to wait and see nearer the time.

“I’d love to get an England call-up although with them performing so well it’s not an easy side to break into.

“All I can do is perform well for Worcester and while you are playing county cricket, you’ve always got a chance.”