All of Yorkshire's home born capped players have now been put on three year contracts in order to prevent the side from splitting up.

And their star Australian batsman, Darren Lehmann, who arrives over the weekend to begin a new two year contract, is also keen to commit himself for a longer period, said chief executive Chris Hassell.

"We have been gradually extending the contracts over the past few months and we can now look ahead with confidence, knowing that we have a settled side with leading players not being poached by clubs elsewhere," explained Hassell.

"This does not mean that younger players are not just as important to us and their contracts will be kept under constant review."

Matthew Hoggard, who received an approach from Warwickshire towards the end of last season, is already believed to be on a three-year contract and Yorkshire are keen to make sure that the likes of Ryan Sidebottom and Matthew Wood remain with the club.

The only senior player not on a three year contract is batsman 34-year-old Richard Harden, who is due to retire at the end of the summer.

see also 'Tykes slide to defeat'

'Wood aiming to recapture his form'

'Questions need to be answered'

'All change on penalties and points'

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.