White takes on toughest job for Yorkshire

Craig White became the fourth Yorkshire captain in as many years yesterday, and admitted he had spent most of his career avoiding leadership. The Australian-raised White, 34, made his county debut 14 years ago and represented England in 30 Tests and 51 one-day internationals, the last of which was during last year's World Cup. He replaces Anthony McGrath faced with the task of reviving Yorkshire's fortunes.

White's only captaining experience was as a 16-year-old with the Lodden Under-21 side, in the Bendigo district competition in Australia, and he said: "That was quite a big step for a young kid to be surrounded by 21-year-olds. From that day I said I would never captain again. With Anthony stepping down I thought it was time to take responsibility."

White follows David Byas, McGrath and his brother-in-law, Darren Lehmann, who returns as one of two overseas players, as the Yorkshire captain, and will be able to call on the experience of the England captain, Michael Vaughan.

"I have got some support in Darren Lehmann, Ian Harvey and David Byas, I will pick their brains and Michael Vaughan's, you have to get advice from everyone," he said. "I want no stone left unturned and all the players to know their game inside out."

The recently departed Darren Gough was sounded out about taking over and Matthew Wood, who will be the vice-captain, was also a contender, but White will form a new leadership team alongside the recently appointed director of cricket, David Byas.

"When I go out there I want 120 per cent backing from everyone," he said. "It is imperative we are all pushing in one direction, which probably hasn't happened both on and off the pitch.

"I haven't got a magic wand, it is a simple game, we have got a great squad and there is not much that needs changing, things just need tweaking here and there."