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McGrath named as Gough's successor at Yorkshire

15/10/2008

Anthony McGrath has been named as the successor to Darren Gough as Yorkshire cricket captain for the 2009 season.

The 33-year-old all-rounder reprises the role he held briefly during the 2003 season, although he turned down the opportunity to continue in the job in order to focus on his England commitments.

McGrath, who is a capable spin bowler as well as a solid middle-order batsman, has since fallen out of favour with the national selectors.

And Yorkshire director of cricket Martyn Moxon believes the Bradford-born player's continuing focus on forging a successful career with his home county makes him the perfect candidate to succeed Gough, who retired at the end of the 2008 domestic season.

"Anthony is a tremendous cricketer and brings a huge amount of experience, knowledge and determination to the role of Yorkshire captain," Moxon said.

"He has a quiet authority, although he can be strong when required, he has a great desire to do the job and is passionate about Yorkshire cricket and its values.

"He's well respected and has handled the team extremely well when he has been captain this season. I am looking forward to working with him next season and wish him every success."

McGrath's appointment marks a significant turnaround in fortunes for a player who nearly quit Headingley in 2007.

However, after he had a change of heart and acted as vice-captain under Gough for the past two seasons he said he regards the appointment as "a massive honour".

"It is one of the biggest honours in cricket in my opinion and it comes with a lot of responsibility on the field and as a role model," he said.

"Being vice-captain for two years has meant that I've captained the side on a few occasions and I'm just glad the club have given me the chance to take up the role on a full-time basis.

"It is something I'm delighted with and very much looking forward to."

South African batsman Jacques Rudolph is to be McGrath's vice-captain in a dressing room that is also likely to contain former England international skipper Michael Vaughan.