Anthony McGrath has been confirmed as the new captain of Yorkshire for the 2009 season.

The batting all-rounder has been vice-captain to Darren Gough for the past two years and was seen by many to be the natural successor.

McGrath said: "I realise it is a massive honour to be named as captain of Yorkshire with the size and tradition of the club.

"It is one of the biggest honours in cricket in my opinion and it comes with a lot of responsibility on the field and as a role model.

"Being vice-captain for two years has meant that I've captained the side on a few occasions and I'm just glad the club have given me the chance to take up the role on a full-time basis. It is something I'm delighted with and very much looking forward to."

The 33-year-old has done the job before, in 2003, but relinquished the position when his England commitments meant he was unable to commit himself fully to the role. He led Yorkshire to fourth position in Division Two of the County Championship, just missing out on a promotion spot. Yorkshire also finished second-from-bottom in Division One of the National League and were relegated.

However, McGrath has more captaincy experience now - having stepped in for Gough on five occasions this year - and will relish the opportunity to improve on his previous showings.

Despite being offered the job in 2007, he turned it down because he wanted to end his Yorkshire contract, but was persuaded to stay at Headingley following the appointments of Gough and Martyn Moxon.

McGrath admitted when he stepped down in 2003 that he would like to give the captaincy another go - and he made no secret of his desire to lead Yorkshire next season.

He will be a busy man in 2009, after it was also recently decided to award him a benefit for his 14 years of service to the club.

Jacques Rudolph, who will be vice-captain, said: "I'm looking forward to the challenges that lie ahead in 2009, where I will give Anthony all the support I can in what I hope will be a very successful season for the county."