Despite leading his Hampshire side to CricInfo Championship Division Two promotion, Robin Smith has admitted to contemplating handing over the captaincy reigns at the end of the season.

Smith, who replaced John Stephenson as captain in 1998, has been upset by his own batting form over the past couple of seasons and attributes the blame for this dip on the pressure of leading the side.

The former England batsman, who celebrated his 38th birthday on Thursday, the same day Hampshire secured promotion at Trent Bridge is considering playing out what is expected to be his final year amongst the rank and file.

He believes the time maybe right to hand over the challis. "It has been a grat honour to have been chosen to captain Hampshire", he said.

"But I feel my own game has been affected for the worse.

"I have to hold my hands up and admit I have been disappointed with my own form since taking on what at the moment is a pretty stressful job.

"If the club feel it is better for me to concentrate on my own game and score the runs, then I will stand down. If not then I will also be happy to continue."

He is not expecting to annouce his decision until well after the dust has settled on a successful season in charge.

Will Kendall is his likely successor, having been appointed vice-captain at the start of the season. However, his personal form this season has been far from impressive either.

© Hampshire CCC