Gale quits as Tykes one-day captain

Gale has relinquished the leadership of the 50-over and 20-over teams to concentrate on leading the club in the County Championship.

Alex Lees has been placed in temporary charge of the one-day team until Yorkshire decide on a long-term successor.

Gale will still be available to play for the club as a batsman in one-day cricket.

“After nearly six seasons of being club captain across all formats, I now feel the time is right to step down as List A and T20 captain and solely concentrate on captaining the Championship team,” said Gale.

“I feel it’s beneficial for a fresh voice and new ideas in the shorter format of the game and with the current demands of the schedule I need to manage my body in preparation for Championship cricket.

“I still hope to play a large part in the club’s future success with the bat in the shorter format.

“I’ve enjoyed every minute in leading the team, participating in the Champions League in South Africa was a highlight, along with reaching a one-day semi-final.

“I would like to wish Alex Lees all the best in the short-term and whoever the club appoint in the long-term.”

Martyn Moxon, the Yorkshire director of cricket, commented: “Andrew has developed into an outstanding captain of Yorkshire.

“He leads from the front and is a very passionate and proud leader.

“To relinquish the captaincy of our one-day teams, therefore, has been a very difficult decision for him to make.

“However, the physical demands of the shorter format of cricket eventually take its toll and consequently affect the energy you require to lead the team in all formats.

“Andrew will continue to captain the side in the County Championship and I believe this decision will enable him to fulfil this role for many years to come.”