Former Kent and England captain Chris Cowdrey has been confirmed as the new president of The Lord’s Taverners, the UK’s leading youth cricket and disability sports charity.

Cowdrey succeeds film critic and cricket fan Barry Norman CBE, and is the third former England captain to become President of The Lord’s Taverners since the charity was established in 1950 in the Tavern at Lord’s Cricket Ground.

He follows in the footsteps of his father, The Lord Cowdrey of Tonbridge CBE (president 1995-1997) and Mike Gatting OBE.

Cowdrey (pictured) said he was delighted and honoured to be made The Lord’s Taverners president.

"I have been a member since my playing days and I’m proud to be part of cricket’s favourite charity which does so much for disadvantaged and disabled young people," he added.

Chris and his dad Colin were only the second father-son combination to captain England, emulating Frank and George Mann.

In all he played six Tests for England and was part of David Gower’s successful side that won the test series in India in 1984-85.

Nearly all his county cricket was played at Kent and he captained the county 1986-1990.