Steve Borthwick has admitted his "surprise" at being appointed England's first captain of the Martin Johnson era. The Bath lock has been handed leadership duties by the new England manager for the two-Test New Zealand tour next month, replacing the injured Phil Vickery.

Many pundits believe Borthwick could keep the job beyond this summer, leading into England's demanding autumn schedule that features appointments with New Zealand, Australia and world champions South Africa.

Borthwick though, is looking no further ahead than potentially punishing encounters against the All Blacks in Auckland and Christchurch. "You never expect something like that," he said. "There are a number of quality players around and quality leaders. I heard my name being mentioned, but it was a case of concentrating on these games we have got coming up with Bath. When Martin called me and asked me to captain the side, you can't expect anything like that. So, yes, it was a surprise."

Asked if he saw himself as captain for the long haul, Borthwick said: "No, I wouldn't say that at all. To aspire to something like that is not in my make-up. What I aspire to is playing at a level and conducting myself at a level that has the respect of my peers. If I am seen fit to do a role like I have been for this tour, then fantastic.

"There are plenty of people with the ability to captain England and I will always support them. Really for me, it is about having the respect of my peers."

Borthwick has led England on one previous occasion - the narrow Six Nations victory over Italy in Rome earlier this season, when Vickery was a late withdrawal due to illness. "Phil has been the England captain for quite a while now, and is a magnificent captain and a fantastic player," Borthwick said. "It would have been great for England to have had him with us down in New Zealand, both as a player and a leader, and it is a shame that he is not there.

"By the very nature of international rugby, you are bringing together players who are the best in their positions and, generally, are in leadership roles in their clubs. That is a unique environment.

"In that Rome game, Phil had been captain all week and there was some doubt about his calf injury. He came through that, and then he became ill the night before the Test. On the morning of the Test match, I was asked to captain the side for the whole 80 minutes.

"Phil had done all the preparation as captain through the week, and I had done my part as I normally would in that structure, so it was a unique time."

England head to New Zealand on June 2, but Saracens-bound Borthwick could be a double winner before then as Bath continue their bid for Guinness Premiership title glory and European Challenge Cup silverware. They visit Wasps on Sunday, when Borthwick and Bath could face their toughest task of the season as they strive to book a Twickenham final appearance against Gloucester or Leicester.

"At this stage of the competition, there are no easy challenges," Borthwick said. "Wasps, in particular, certainly know how to win and come through this stage of the season.

"I have heard some of their boys talking in the media about how they feel this is their strongest stage of the season. We know we are in for a big contest, but we have won there in the past and we must do so again this time."