Shock for Yorkshire as Byas quits

Just two weeks after enjoying their greatest triumph for 33 years, Yorkshire cricket has been shocked by the announcement that their captain David Byas, is to retire.

38 year-old Byas, who guided Yorkshire to the CricInfo Championship title amidst great acclaim, was nearing the end of his playing career, but it was thought that he would continue for at least another season. However, having achieved what he wanted, he has decided that the time is right to move on.

Speaking to the Yorkshire Post he said, "I have had a wonderful career and playing cricket for Yorkshire has taken me around the world. I wanted to go while I am still at the top. It has been an unforgettable experience and it has been a great honour to captain the side and to lead the side to the first championship title for 33 years.

"No-one can take that away from me and it will stay with me forever. I am leaving the team at the top and I sincerely hope it goes from strength to strength from here."

Byas made his debut for Yorkshire in 1986, since when he has scored 14,398 runs at an average of 35.37. He was several times spoken of as a potential Test player, without ever forcing his way into the side.

The hunt for a new captain will now begin. Overseas player Darren Lehmann is one possibility, as is Michael Vaughan who attracted much favourable notice when leading England A on a tour to Zimbabwe and South Africa in 1998/99, as well as being a former England Under 19 captain.

Vaughan, though, has already been mentioned as a future England captain and it might be considered impractical for him to captain the county while spending so much of the season away on international duty.

Yorkshire will not be rushing to name a successor as the celebrations for the season just passed have not yet finished. The team has a date in November to visit Buckingham Palace - the traditional visit for the champions to collect the trophy - and Byas will still be in charge on that occasion.