DARYL Mitchell is relishing the prospect of what will be a busy 2016 on and off the pitch for the Worcestershire captain.

But the 31-year-old insists that, as always, cricket will be to the fore for the popular opening batsman.

Mitchell has been awarded a deserved benefit for next year by the County as a reward for more than a decade of sterling service in the first team and there will be a programme of events to organise over the year.

He also has to contend with the joy of being a father for the second time after wife Danni gave birth to Ava Jane Mitchell in early September.

Then throw in the challenge of again captaining a young side as they look to bounce back from the disappointment of being relegated from Division One of the LV= County Championship.

It will be a hectic time for the the lifelong Worcestershire fan — but Mitchell would not want it any other way.

He said: “I’m looking forward to it. It will be exciting with a lot going on.

“I’d rather be busy than sat at home twiddling my thumbs.

“I am excited by the challenges that lie ahead in 2016.

“But, first and foremost for me as always — and my wife will tell you that — it’s about the cricket and trying to get as many runs as I can as a batter and lead this team to as many victories as possible over the summer.”

Mitchell is also looking forward to a sixth full season as captain since replacing Vikram Solanki towards the end of the 2010 campaign.

He said: “I enjoy it.

“It is exciting being in charge of this group of young players.

“Hopefully I can teach one or two of them a few things and lead by example.

“I enjoy the responsibility of being captain so hopefully I can do it for a few more years yet.”

Mitchell and the squad are enjoying a break from action before they return in November to begin building up for next summer.

He added: “Before Christmas is hard work, it’s physically demanding, in terms of the gym work we do, but time-wise it is not too many hours a week.

“It’s about getting the quality gym work in, getting strong, as fit as possible, and then hitting the ground running with a bit more cricket come January.”