BATSMAN Anthony McGrath was today all set to be installed as Yorkshire's youngest captain for the past 70 years, writes David Warner.

The 27-year-old Bradford League product emerged last night as the preferred choice of the county's four-man management board who were today putting their invitation to McGrath at Headingley before making an official announcement.

The last time a younger man was appointed Yorkshire captain was in 1933 when Keighley-born Brian Sellers took on the job at the age of 26 - and led the Tykes to six Championship titles under his inspired leadership.

McGrath's closest rival to take over the captaincy from the unavailable Darren Lehmann was 36-year-old wicketkeeper-batsman Richard Blakey who did well in the closing weeks of last season when placed in charge during Lehmann's absence.

But in the end, director of cricket Geoff Cope convinced his fellow board members that McGrath had age on his side and that his appointment would bring continuity to the team and help gel things together.

McGrath would have been a rank outsider for the captaincy a year or so ago but since then his star has been in the ascendancy.

Last season, he managed to shake off a long-standing groin injury and he played some outstanding innings, not least when thrashing a career-best 165 in the Roses match at Headingley when he piled up a massive 317 for the third wicket with Lehmann.

But it was in the Cheltenham and Gloucester Trophy final against Somerset at Lord's on August 31 that McGrath showed his increasing maturity by solidly supporting Matthew Elliott in a match-winning century stand.

Around this time, McGrath was also acting captain Richard Blakey's main adviser and he admitted to me at the end of the season that he had enjoyed the added responsibility and would like a shot at the captaincy at some future date.

McGrath was then charged with the job of looking after Yorkshire's batsmen at indoor nets during the winter months.

McGrath has had his ups and downs with Yorkshire, both regarding form and fitness, and there have been times when he has been rumoured to be looking for a fresh start with another county.

But in the end he and Yorkshire have always remained loyal to each other and his native county have now backed him in the strongest way.

Updated: 12:32 Friday, January 24, 2003