BRIEF-Cricket-Hoggard joins Leicestershire as captain

LONDON, Nov 9 (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) on Monday.

"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.

(Reporting by Neil Maidment; Editing by Alison Wildey; to query or comment on this story email sportsfeedback@thomsonreuters.com)