Craig Haupt has sprung a surprise by stepping down as Banbury captain.

The 33-year-old run machine has handed the reins over to Oxfordshire batsman Richard Kaufman after three years at the helm.

Explaining his decision, Haupt said: "I just think we have gone through a transitional period of two years bringing the youngsters along. They are older now and I need to concentrate on my batting.

"I think I will be a lot more valuable to the side doing that."

Haupt was the second leading run-scorer in the Home Counties Premier League Division 1 last year.

He also holds Banbury's record for the number of runs in a Home Counties season with 910 in 2002, and the club's highest individual score with an unbeaten 200 against Beaconsfield three years ago.

Kaufman, 23, who made a big impact in his first season with Banbury last year and also impressed for the county, is currently playing in Brisbane.

Haupt, though, was quick to back the new captain.

"He has a very good cricket brain on him and will do a good job," he said. "I will still be there in the background with Paul (Taylor), but not playing as big a role as Richard.

"I think it is time to give someone else a go. The future of the club is with the youngsters. I had a long chat with Richard and he said he would love to do it and he is looking forward to it."