JAMES Vince has replaced Jimmy Adams as Hampshire’s captain on an interim basis.

Hampshire’s limited-overs captain is leading the county for the second time in the LV County Championship against Durham this week.

Coach Dale Benkenstein believes the burden of the captaincy is a major factor in Hampshire beneficiary Adams’ disappointing return of 446 runs at 26 this season.

Asked how the decision was reached, he said: “Events started before the start of the season.

“I took some responsibility for the decision because Jim’s always been quite a reluctant captain.

“His efforts over the last few years for the club are unquestionable but I could see the benefit and opening the batting was taking its toll. “So after the Worcestershire game we had a chat.

“With the position we were in, and if he wasn’t going to do it next year, we decided to look for an alternative and give Jim a break.

“He had a few days to think about it and decided it was the right thing to do. So the decision was made.

“We want to get Jimmy back into form and give Vincey the reins at the moment.”

With Vince struggling for form in the Championship as well this season (331 runs at 19.47), it is hoped he thrives on the extra responsibility, as he has done in the T20 Blast.

“There are no long-term plans at all, this is just what’s happening at the moment,” said Benkenstein. “We’ll take it game by game.”

Vince will be captaining Hampshire for the first time in 50-over competition when the Royal London One-Day Cup begins against Sussex at The Ageas Bowl next week.