Yorkshire's star batsman Darren Lehmann has been officially appointed vice-captain to David Byas next season in a significant move which hints that the Australian could become the county's first overseas captain in 2002, writes David Warner.

Byas was confirmed as captain for a sixth successive season at a meeting of Yorkshire's general committee at Headingley yesterday and Lehmann was named his deputy, the prolific left-hander the previous day having signed a two-year extension to his contract.

If Yorkshire win the National League title tonight it will be their first major success during Byas's reign although they have enjoyed significantly improved results overall under his leadership.

But Byas was 37 last month and by the end of next summer it would not be unnatural for him to be thinking about retirement.

With Darren Gough, Michael Vaughan and Craig White all tied up almost full time with England these days, Lehmann is the natural successor to Byas as well as being immensely popular with the rest of the team.

He led Yorkshire for a month recently while Byas recovered from knee surgery and during that time Yorkshire won four consecutive National League games and drew their one Championship match under his command.

Lehmann already has plenty of experience of leadership, being captain of his State side South Australia.

Picture - RESPONSIBILITY: Yorkshire's new vice-captain Darren Lehmann