TOM Smith has resigned as Lancashire’s captain in a bid to concentrate on returning to fitness following his debilitating back injury.

The England Lions all-rounder has been replaced by Steven Croft, another all-rounder who led the county to their first NatWest T20 Blast title in August and then promotion back to Division One of the LV= County Championship.

Smith only played one Championship match last season after replacing Glen Chapple as skipper, and he was forced to have surgery following two slipped discs in his back. It was an injury which left him fearing for his career.

The 29-year-old is back in pre-season training at Emirates Old Trafford, but has only started gentle cricket skills and is by no means a certain starter for the new campaign in early April.

“This was a very tough decision for me,” said Smith. “But I feel it is the right one. It was a great honour to be appointed captain last year, but I feel that my main focus must be to get myself fit for next season.

“Crofty has proved that he is good leader, and I wish him all the best in the role. I’m determined to get myself back out onto the field. As a senior player, I will be there for Crofty offering my support at all times.”

Croft was an ever-present last year in all competitions, winning the club’s one-day player of the year award as a result of his exceptional T20 form.

“I’d like to pay tribute to Tom, who is a great friend and an extremely professional team-mate,” said the 31-year-old.

“He worked very closely with me last year, and I’m looking forward to him getting back to full fitness. It must have been a very difficult decision for him, but I am delighted to have been asked to become captain.

“It's a real privilege, and I'm honoured to take it on.”

Smith, whose wife Holly is 20 weeks pregnant, added: “There were periods when I thought ‘if this doesn’t go well, what’s the alternative?’.

“In the last few weeks I’ve made a lot of good progress. It’s not moving along rapidly, but it’s one of those things that isn’t going to.”

Meanwhile, left-arm spinner Simon Kerrigan’s winter training programme has been disrupted by suffering a stress reaction in his back. Kerrigan will be sidelined until the New Year, and he is unlikely to bowl for approximately three months.