RAVI Bopara has made the decision to step down from his position as Essex Cricket’s limited overs captain to focus on his own individual game.

Bopara took up the role of NatWest T20 Blast and Royal London One-Day Cup captain at the start of the 2016 season and led The Eagles to the quarter-finals in both competitions.

However, the 31-year-old will now relinquish his responsibilities to enhance various aspects of his batting and bowling in order to hit the ground running in County Championship Division One next year.

Club Captain Ryan ten Doeschate will take over captaincy duty in limited overs cricket which will mean he will now lead the team in all formats during the 2017 season.

And Essex stalwart ten Doeschate said he was delighted to take up the captaincy in all competitions.

“Ravi did an excellent job in limited overs cricket last year, leading us to quarter-finals in both formats,” said the Dutchman.

“If we had a bit more luck we could have progressed further. He has decided he would prefer to concentrate on his individual game next year and make valuable contributions throughout the season.

“We respect Ravi’s decision and I was more than happy to take up the captaincy in all formats as I have thoroughly enjoyed my role in the County Championship so far.”