HEREFORDSHIRE skipper Harshad Patel has quit his post on the eve of the club's biggest game of the season.

Patel has handed over the reins to Chris Boroughs, who will be in charge for next Wednesday's Cheltenham and Gloucester Trophy third round clash with Middlesex at Luctonians Cricket Club.

The 37-year-old took over as Cricket Development Officer with the Worcestershire Cricket Board this year.

He said of his decision to step down: "It is a combination of things really. There is a bit of a conflict with my work with the Board, but that wasn't the main reason.

"I haven't been fit as much as I should have been and have missed a few games, and it is unfair for the rest of the guys if I am not on the field."

Patel will continue to play for Herefordshire but is not in the squad for tomorrow's ECB 38 County Cup group match against Shropshire at Luctonians (11am).