England's Jackson named Ranchi Rays skipper

Debutants Ranchi Rays Thursday announced that England playmaker Ashley Jackson will lead the team in the third edition of the Hockey India League (HIL) which starts Jan 22.

The Ranchi-based team also announced Harendra Singh as the head coach while Clarence Lobo and A.B. Subbiah come in as the assistant and goalkeeper coach, respectively.

"Going by his experience and present performance, we feel that Ashley Jackson is the right choice for captaining the side. Under his able leadership, the team will do well and he will make the Ranchi fans proud by putting up a terrific show," said team co-owner and Indian cricket team captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni.

"I hope Harendra Singh as a coach will nurture the players and will bring the best out of them. You need the right coach who knows the strengths of his players and capitalises on it."

Jackson was part of the England squad that won the 2014 Glasgow Commonwealth Games bronze.

"It's a great feeling to be named captain of Ranchi Rays. The Ranchi fans are the best in the league and it will be a real honour to lead our talented team out in front of our home fans," said Jackson.

"I will be trying my best to lead from the front and alongside some of the best talents in the world, this promises to be another exciting HIL in Ranchi. The entire team is very excited and is ready to give some wonderful performances."