CHRIS Rogers, who needed no time at all to accept the chance to stand in as Derbyshire's captain, also said he did not need to be asked twice to come back to the county next season as skipper.

The Australian batsman, currently second behind Worcestershire's Stephen Moore in the list of top run-scorers in the country, has signed a contract to return to Derbyshire in 2009 as their captain.

The news is a tremendous lift for Derbyshire as head of cricket John Morris looks to establish a core of experienced players around which to build a challenge next season.

Rogers, aged 31 and coming to the peak of his powers as a batsman, took on the job when Rikki Clarke gave it up a month ago and has relished it – without any sign of it affecting his personal performances.

"It was an easy decision to agree to captain next season," he said. "I've enjoyed it and there is a lot to like about what is happening here.

"I've done it a bit back home and it's never really been a problem. If anything, I've probably played better with it because it gives me that extra bit of responsibility and focus.

"From a personal point of view it's been good and I've enjoyed working with the guys.

"I still want to play for Australia but it feels a bit of a way off at the moment and this is a good career for me. I want to captain and this is a good opportunity to see what I'm made of in terms of captaincy.

"We've got some young players that I think I can help in the future and hopefully I can be a part of success here."

Rogers, who is to play for a new state side, Victoria, when he returns to Australia for their domestic season, also understands the importance of establishing a thread of continuity at Derbyshire if the club is to grow.

"If you looked at the start of this season, there were a lot of unknowns and the side was sorting itself out," he added.

"Half way through, the side was a lot different to the beginning of the season and what we need next year is to start out with a bit more of an idea who is playing, where people play their best and what they have to offer.

"Having that continuity has got to be a good thing."