MARK Isham has sensationally been handed the King’s Road captaincy despite being beaten in a vote by Pickle the cat.

The beanpole opener was told at the club AGM today he had lost this year’s captaincy election to Dan Sherman’s popular cricket-loving pet by six votes to seven.

“I can’t believed I’ve been beaten by a cat!” Mark said.

But just minutes after the result was announced Pickle, who did not attend the meeting, revealed she’d changed her mind and didn’t want the job.

In a text sent to her owner and spokesman Dan, Pickle said she was under the impression she would be appointed for a five-year term, not just one year.

Mark then stepped into the vacancy unopposed.

Instead of being captain, Pickle – described as a three-year-old cricketing novice who once lived at Battersea Cats and Dogs Home – has offered to be The Road’s mascot.

Dan told the King’s Road committee: ‘Pickle has decided to stand down because of the length of term as captain, but she has volunteered to become a club mascot… As long as it is a five year term.’

In other decisions made at the AGM, Matt Small was appointed chairman, replacing Mark, Dan remains fixtures secretary and Leon Watson and Chris MacNicol remain in their posts.

Club membership subs will remain capped and among the new teams King’s Road will play this season include Ripley CC and Believers CC.