Tykes look to new skipper

Darren Lehmann was in prolific form last season

Test Match Special commentator Simon Mann assesses Yorkshire's prospects for the 2002 county season.

The retirement of David Byas and his subsequent U-turn in order to join Lancashire has, unsurprisingly, caused much comment.

But the loss of their captain will not prevent Yorkshire from following up their championship success in 2001 with another strong challenge for the title.

Darren Lehmann, who replaces Byas as skipper, was already an influential figure on the field and has the backing of senior players.

  Championship prediction

Only Surrey will threaten the defending champions

It is not hard to draw the conclusion that Yorkshire believe Byas' role as captain was incidental to their success.

His contribution as a player though can be quantified. He made four championship centuries and averaged 44.89. His 853 runs need to be found elsewhere.

The main threat to Yorkshire will come from Surrey, who are unlikely to falter as badly as they did last time.

The crucial factor for both counties will be the extent to which they are disrupted by international call-ups.

Australia's decision to call off their tour of Zimbabwe has solved an immediate problem for Yorkshire. Lehmann would have missed the first five weeks of the season, including the first meeting with Surrey.

Darren Gough's light winter schedule - 11 one-day internationals - and subsequent knee injury mean he will need to prove his fitness in the early weeks of the season.

It should be to Yorkshire's benefit, and it is possible he will improve upon the two Championship games he managed last summer.

Most intriguing will be the progress of fast-bowler Steve Kirby. His 47 wickets at 20.85 compensated for the injury absences of Ryan Sidebottom and Chris Silverwood in 2001, both missing half the season.

Opener Matthew Wood is an emerging talent

Kirby spent the winter at England's Academy and should be closer than the other two to a Test call-up. The presence of those three, plus Gough, Gavin Hamilton and Craig White continue to provide Yorkshire with powerful pace-bowling options.

The batting is heavily dependent on Lehmann. His 1,416 runs were made at 83.29 - a phenomenal record.

He is not the sort of player to be weighed down by the captaincy. If, however, he does have a poor run - and it happens to all batsmen - Yorkshire will suffer accordingly.

The development of Matthew Wood was slightly obscured by Lehmann's heavy scoring, but was rightly recognised by the selectors as his 1,060 runs at 48.18 earned him a place at the Academy.

He is a compact, unflustered opener whose challenge is to become more than just an effective county cricketer.

Off-spinner Richard Dawson also faces a testing season.

Despite his selection for England's winter tours, he is certain to find his international opportunities limited in England and will play a full part for his county.

  Yorkshire 2002

Captain and overseas player: Darren Lehmann

Coach: Wayne Clarke

Main signings: None

Main departures: David Byas (Lancashire), James Middlebrook (Essex), Paul Hutchison (Sussex), Ian Fisher (Gloucs)

He has promise but spin bowling is a fickle calling and he owed his selection to England's overall lack of quality in that department.

A return of 30 wickets at 33.80 in 2001 was hardly sensational and the second season could be tougher than the first.

Coach Wayne Clark has identified one-day cricket as the area for major improvement.

"One game we looked a million dollars and the next we were a minor counties side," he said.

They have a squad capable of reaching a Lord's final and with youngsters like Michael Lumb and Chris Taylor challenging the more established players, the balance is right and they can expect another successful season.