DAN Belt believes new Dorchester Cricket Club captain Jon Legg has all the right tools to succeed in his fledgling season as skipper.

Legg takes the reins from former Dorset all-rounder Belt in 2023 having prepared for the role as vice-captain – a position filled by Gautham Rajendar this term.

He is the third different captain for Dorchy in as many seasons, following James Dunham’s decision to step away from the job in 2021.

Under Dunham, Dorchester won a hat-trick of Dorset Premier League titles but were pipped by Poole last season.

Speaking to Echosport, Belt said of Legg: “The plan before even last season was always to do one season and then Leggy was to take over.

READ MORE: Dan Belt named Dorchester captain for 2022

“He’s experienced. He’s been in the (Dorset) development team and the Dorset team whenever he’s been asked.

“Leggy will take it on and he’ll do a great job. It’s a good change for the club and an exciting change.

“We’ll be there to give a helping hand to Leggy and any wise words he’ll come to us and look for them.”

On Rajendar, Belt said: “Gautham’s taken on the role of organising stuff really well. He loves being involved and he had a great season last year.

“Taking on the vice-captain might push his performances to be even better than they were last year, which would be amazing for the club.

“It’s very exciting and we look forward to getting our feet back on top of the table and challenging for the title.”

And with Belt now completely uninvolved with the captaincy, he can afford to play with more freedom.

He said: “It’s one of the things I never felt affected me if I was captain or not.

“Some games you think as captain you dig in a bit deeper to lead by example. But certainly without being captain or vice you can play with more freedom and express yourself a bit more.

“Just let the captain trust you in what you’re doing.”

And Legg revealed he is simply looking to build on Dunham and Belt's legacy.

He said: "It's a huge honour, obviously Dunham and Belty have turned the club around and I'm looking to build on what they've previously achieved.

"There's a slight bit of pressure on me I think, but I know they'll help me if I need it.

"Though ultimately the team knows their roles, so it's a case of getting out there and performing as we have done."

Dorchester open their Wessex Internet Dorset Premier League campaign at Christchurch on Saturday, April 29.

Their second team host Poole Town Thirds in Division Three, while Dorchester Thirds visit Poole Town Fourths in Division Six.