Sam Northeast to lead Sunshine Coast Scorchers this winter

Kent vice-captain Sam Northeast will make his first appearance of the Australian cricket season this weekend.

The 25-year-old batsman was named skipper of Queensland Premier Grade side Sunshine Coast and hopes the experience will further enhance his leadership skills.

The man from Ashford was only told about the captaincy just before flying out of London.

Northeast told the Sunshine Coast Daily: "I got the call from Spud [coach Brad Murphy] and he told me he wanted me to captain the side and I am really looking forward to it.

"I am looking forward to the challenge and am honoured to lead these great lads."

Northeast spent the 2012-13 season with the Scorchers, when he averaged a very solid 45 before taking a break from the game last winter.

The Kent batsman of the year, with the most runs in all formats in 2014, said: "I think playing this winter will benefit me for next season as I felt a little bit under-prepared in terms of match practice going into last season.

"My form improved as the season went on and hopefully I can keep that going through the winter into next year."

He will join team-mate Ivan Thomas at the Scorchers and could face Kent colleagues Brendan Nash (Northern Suburbs) and Adam Ball (Redlands Tigers).

The new Scorchers skipper said: "I went pretty well when I was here a couple years back and that's largely due to the great environment the Scorchers have.

"Everyone is great and I can't wait to be back with the boys.

"The boys went very well last year when I wasn't here and I have been in touch with them this year and kept an eye on how things are going.

"I am confident we can get a good roll on now and I will be doing everything I can to help the side do that."

The Scorchers take on Western Suburbs on Saturday, the opening day of a two-day First Grade match in Brisbane.