Former Test opener Phil Jaques has been named skipper.

"I needed to concentrate on my own performances," Hughston said.

"We've been well below par and it's best for the team if I try and work on my own game and get back to the way I should be playing."

The No. 3 batsmen has averaged just 22.64 in 14 matches, with just one half century.

He finished last season with one 100 and four 50s at 35.18, well below his 2009-10 season when he finished with an average of 48.61.

"It's a lot easier to captain when you're performing," Hughston said. "It impacts on the little things you need to do when sometimes you need to focus on your own preparations."

The move comes as Jaques announced he would be retiring from first class cricket in Australia at the end of this season.

He has signed a contract with English county side Yorkshire, where he will play as a local player on a British passport.

Jaques took charge of Sutherland last weekend in their loss against University of NSW.

"It was relaxing," Hughston said.

"It was good to run around with a free mind."