DARYL Mitchell is ready to help new Worcestershire skipper Joe Leach "as much as he wants" as he grows accustomed to leading the team.

But the County's long-serving opener says his successor as captain already has "a great cricket brain."

Leach had his first taste of officially being at the helm against The North and Warwickshire during the pre-season training camp in Abu Dhabi.

Next up will be friendlies against Somerset, Gloucestershire and Leeds-Bradford MCCU before the action starts for real against Glamorgan at the SWALEC Stadium in the Specsavers County Championship on April 14.

Mitchell said: "When you first take it (the captaincy) on, it is a bit strange. It's different.

"Leachy has not had too much experience captaining teams before. But he is a very smart bloke.

"He has played a lot of cricket now during the past few seasons and he has got a great cricket brain.

"I'm sure he will be fine and I'll be there to help out as much as he wants.

"It's his ship, he has got to steer it, but if he needs any advice, I'll always be there willing to help out."