Ian Bell has relinquished his role as Warwickshire captain to concentrate on his form with the bat, the County has confirmed.

The 35-year-old has averages 24.64 in first-class cricket this season and described captaining his home county as an ‘honour’, as he now sets out to score his first hundred of the season.

“This is the right time for me to stand down as captain, to focus on my batting and scoring runs, which will be the best thing for the team,” said Bell, whose highest score in the County Championship this year is 99.

“It’s been an absolute honour to lead my home county over the last 18 months and my decision to stand down is something that I have thought long and hard about over a period of weeks.”

Stepping into Bell’s shoes will be Jonathan Trott and Grant Elliott who will split first-class and List A responsibilities, respectively.

Trying to find the right formula for the County Championship Division One’s bottom side, Ashley Giles thanked Bell for his contribution as Warwickshire skipper as the County introduces more youngsters into the side.

Giles said: “The team has gone through a transformation period and Ian has been instrumental during this time, leading the team to a trophy at the end of 2016 and helping bring through several of our younger players in recent months, during a difficult period.

“It’s very brave of Ian to make this decision, but one that we fully respect.”