Chigumbura quits as Zimbabwe skipper

Harare, April 30 : Elton Chigumbura has stepped down as Zimbabwe cricket captain following sharp criticism for the team's poor showing at the recently concluded World Cup.

Chigumbura said he took the decision to work on his form. Opening batsman Hamilton Masakadza or all-rounder Brendan Taylor are favourites to replace Chigumbura.

"I have thought long and hard about the job since my return from the World Cup and I have consulted my family and friends about it. While some still think I should have stayed on, others agreed with me that I needed to concentrate on my own game and let somebody else lead the team," Chigumbura was quoted as saying in a local daily Friday.

He was appointed captain in May last year as replacement for spinner Prosper Utseya.

It is understood that the 25-year-old all-rounder was keen to continue as skipper but quit following pressures from the convener of selectors, Alistair Campbell, and batting coach, Grant Flower.

Chigumbura's highest score at February's World Cup in India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka was an unbeaten 38 against Kenya. He made 32 runs in the rain-affected match against Pakistan but his run rate was woeful against Australia (14), Sri Lanka (6), and Canada (5) - making for an average 20 runs.