Craig White called upon his players to give an extra two per cent in everything they do after being appointed Yorkshire captain yesterday - a move which was forecast in Wednesday's Evening Press.

Director of Cricket David Byas considered several potential candidates to take over the reins from Anthony McGrath, before finally decided upon White and his choice was unanimously approved by the club's management board.

McGrath had told Yorkshire that he thought it would be in everyone's interests if he stood down from the captaincy because of another season of probable Test and one-day international calls.

White, 34, admitted that he had not previously put himself forward as a captain, but added: "I think I have come at the right time. For the past few years a lot of my energy has been spent on playing for England and I have not always been an automatic Yorkshire player.

"But now I think I can give the job the time and effort which it deserves.

"I have not got a magic wand to wave but cricket is a simple game and I have a great squad of players. If they can give me an extra two per cent or so in some areas then I am confident we will do well.

"I want my players to know their game inside out and be fully committed both on and off the field. I may appear a laid-back character and pretty quiet but when I have something to say people listen.

"I have still got a lot to learn and I will certainly be picking Michael Vaughan's brains as well as our two Australian players, Darren Lehmann and Ian Harvey."

White said that he hoped he would be able to take up bowling again this season following the side strain in Australia last winter that resulted in him having an operation and then playing solely as a batsman for Yorkshire for much of last summer.

"I feel good at the moment and am getting stronger but I will have a better indication of my bowling fitness when we return for full time training on March 1. If things aren't right then I will play as a batsman but I hope to be turning out as an all-rounder."

White acknowledged Yorkshire could be light on fast bowlers this season with Darren Gough, Ryan Sidebottom and Gavin Hamilton gone and Matthew Hoggard probably on Test duty and he said he would be talking to Byas about a possible new signing.

White said that until now he had never thought of himself as captaincy material following a "dodgy experience" as a 16-year-old in Australia when he led a team of 21-year-olds for a few matches in Victoria.

Paying tribute to McGrath, chief executive Colin Graves said: "It was decided that it was in his best interests in pursuing his England career that he should relinquish the Yorkshire captaincy for the time being. He still has a great deal to offer the club."

McGrath said he had never envisaged giving up the captaincy after only one year but he had sometimes found it difficult last season to concentrate on batting for England and thinking about his responsibilities with Yorkshire.

He certainly hoped he would be able to captain Yorkshire again in the future.

Byas confirmed that Matthew Wood had been re-appointed vice-captain for the coming season.

Updated: 10:41 Thursday, January 29, 2004