James Kirtley has given up the vice-captaincy of Sussex.

Chris Adams will operate without a designated No. 2 this season although Kirtley would step in if the skipper was injured.

Kirtley, 31, wants to concentrate on refining his new bowling action. He was suspended last September after twice being reported for a suspect action last season before being cleared a fortnight ago after re-modelling his action during the winter.

Kirtley, who has been Adams' deputy for five years, still harbours ambitions to captain the county but those are on hold for the time being. He also has a time-consuming benefit to run this year.

He said: "I need to start focusing on my new action and getting used to bowling it again in first-class cricket.

"I would still like to lead the side at some stage but it might also be time to look at who the next long-term captain might be."

Adams is about to start his ninth season in charge and would like to complete a decade in the top job.

His likely long-term successor is either Mike Yardy or Matt Prior, both of whom might also get an opportunity to lead the side out at some stage this season.

Meanwhile the county will keep their options open after the short-term signing of fast bowler Duncan Spencer.

Although Spencer has been based in Australia since his brief county career with Kent ended in 1994, he is English qualified, having been born in Burnley.

If he impresses when he arrives for a one-month trial on April 12 the county could give him a contract until the end of the season.

That would give them options when it comes to replacing their second overseas player Rana Naved, who will join Pakistan's tour of England in mid-June.

Cricket manager Mark Robinson said: "If Duncan does well and we keep him on it gives us flexiblity when Rana goes.

"We might not need to sign a like-for-like fast bowling replacement for Rana. It could be a batsmen or even a spinner if one of our senior players gets injured."

Spencer, who is 34 next week, was banned by the Australian authorities for 18 months in 2001 after he tested positive for nandrolone.

Spencer claimed he was taking the drug to ease a chronic back complaint.

He has rebuilt his career playing first grade cricket in Perth for Melville and was recommended to the county by Murray Goodwin.

Robinson added: "What he offers is new ball cover for James Kirtley and Jason Lewry. Murray rang me several times in the winter to say how well Duncan was doing and although it's a bit of a risk because he's 34 soon it's also quite exciting because he can still bowl very fast."