LONDON,  (Reuters) - Former England bowler Matthew  Hoggard will take over as Leicestershire captain after signing a  three-year contract with the side following his release by  Yorkshire last month.

“Matthew brings with him a wealth of experience having  played for England on 67 occasions and having taking 248 Test  match wickets,” Leicestershire chief executive David Smith told  the club website (www.leicestershireccc.co.uk) yesterday.

“He will also take over the club captaincy and will be an  ideal role model for all our young cricketers at the club.”

The 32-year-old fast-medium swing bowler last featured for  England against New Zealand in March 2008.