Andrew Balbirnie has been appointed the new captain of Ireland's Test and One-Day cricket sides.
The 123 times capped international succeeds Will Porterfield, who had been skipper since 2008.
Balbirnie says it's an "absolute honour" to take on the role:
"To be asked to captain my country is an absolute honour and one that I am very excited about as we move into a busy new year," the Pembroke player said.
"It's a proud moment not just for me but also for my family and everyone who has been there on my cricket journey so far - especially my coaches, teammates and friends at Pembroke Cricket Club."
Porterfield, who was Ireland's captain at two 50-over World Cups and five T20 World Cups, is hoping to keep playing for his country:
"It has been an incredible journey, and a fantastic honour to have captained my country over the past 11 and a half years.
"To have been able to lead Ireland out at various World Cups, through to our first Test against Pakistan, and again at Lord’s in the summer, have been but a few of these highlights.
"I feel incredibly lucky and privileged to have done so.
"I feel, and in consultation with Cricket Ireland, that now is the right time to hand over that mantle. With the ODI league starting in the summer it will allow Balbo time to get into the swing of things.
"I feel that the selectors have made a great choice in appointing Balbo and that it has come at a great time for him personally being on top of his game, and with more to come."
