Former England seamer Matthew Hoggard is to join Leicestershire as their new captain after agreeing a three-year deal. Hoggard, who has spent all of his first-class career with his native Yorkshire, was on the lookout for another county after failing to agree a new deal at Headingley last month despite being the side's leading County Championship wicket-taker in the 2009 season.

Sussex were one of several sides that looked at signing Hoggard but the swing specialist told Leicestershire's official website: "I was flattered by the amount of interest and support shown towards me from all quarters, but

Leicestershire really stood out in terms of offering something different and at this stage of my career it will provide the new challenge I want.

"I've always wanted to test myself and I feel I still have a huge amount to offer the game."

Hoggard's move will see the 2005 Ashes winner drop down to the Second Division, with the Foxes hoping the 32-year-old can inspire the side to improve upon last season's bottom of the table finish. Leicestershire chief executive David Smith, explaining the decision to sign Hoggard, said: "I am delighted Matthew has chosen Leicestershire over a number of other interested counties.

"Matthew brings with him a wealth of experience having played for England on 67 occasions and having taking 248 Test match wickets.

"He will also take over the club captaincy and will be an ideal role model for all our young cricketers at the club." Hoggard, who has an option to extend his contract until the 2013 season, is the fourth recent signing made by Leicestershire alongside Australia all-rounder Andrew McDonald, opening batsman Will Jefferson and all-rounder James Benning.