McGrath handed Yorkshire captaincy

Yorkshire have appointed Anthony McGrath as their captain next season. The 27 year-old batsman takes over from Australian Darren Lehmann, who is currently serving a five-match suspension from international one-day cricket because of racist remarks made during a recent game between Australia and Sri Lanka.

Yorkshire officials insisted that Lehmann's outburst and subsequent suspension has nothing to do with his replacement.

Lehmann is likely to be unavailable for much of next season because of his commitments with Australia, and Yorkshire want a captain for the long term.

McGrath made his debut for the club in 1995 and won his county cap four years later. He has been on two England A tours.