McGrath to succeed Lehmann at Yorkshire

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

However, county officials said the decision to replace Lehmann, who succeeded David Byas last year, has nothing to do with disciplinary problems but is more to do with the fact that the Australian is likely to be unavailable for long periods next season because of international commitments.

The county did, however, condemn Lehmann's remarks. Yorkshire's chief executive Colin Graves said: "We condemn Darren's language and behaviour, for which there can never be a satisfactory excuse or explanation. There is no place for racist attitudes, behaviour or language in cricket or in Yorkshire County Cricket Club. We welcome all Asian and black players within the county and are working to increase the opportunities for them to play for Yorkshire at all levels."

McGrath heads a new-look leadership team and following the recent departure of the Australian coach Wayne Clark, Arnie Sidebottom, Clark's No 2 last season, will be the bowling coach, with the former Yorkshire batsman Kevin Sharp returning as batting coach.

"I'm thrilled," McGrath said. "It will be a difficult challenge but Yorkshire have had some great captains in the past and I'll do everything I can to emulate them."