By Simon Mann Test Match Special commentator

Yorkshire begin the season in the Second Division of the Championship and the National League, led by their fourth captain in four years and a new coach.

David Byas is back on the White Rose side of the Pennines

During the winter, they lost two of their most experienced bowlers in Darren Gough and Ryan Sidebottom so, on the face of it, the omens do not look good.

But they will be underachieving, however, if they do not win promotion in both leagues and threaten in one of the knock-out trophies.

David Byas - never a very convincing Lancastrian - has been welcomed back to coach the team he led to the title as captain in 2001.

To outsiders, it was puzzling why he left in the first place.

Anthony McGrath has been jettisoned as captain after one season, a year in which he missed six championship matches and seven National League games because of international duty and injury.

Craig White, an experienced and likeable cricketer, replaces him. He has had his share of injuries as well but at least he will not be distracted by an England call-up.

Yorkshire's main reasons for optimism though are the signings of two of the county game's most dependable overseas players.

YORKSHIRE'S 2003 RECORD County Championship: 4th, Division Two National League: 8th, Division One (relegated) C&G Trophy: 4th round Twenty20 Cup: 2nd in North Group

Darren Lehmann is back for his sixth season after missing 2003.

In his time at the club he has never failed to average at least 60 in the Championship - a remarkable record - and he is equally adept in the one-day game.

The one drawback is that he will miss part of the season because of international commitments.

Ian Harvey's record is also impressive. In his five seasons at Gloucestershire he helped them win six one-day trophies and they would not have come close without him.

His bowling should be suited to Headingley, lessening the impact of the departures of Sidebottom and Gough, but the signing of John Blain is harder to understand.

He has been recruited to cover for Harvey, Steve Kirby and Chris Silverwood but his record is ordinary - 49 first-class wickets at 47.2.

Ian Harvey is an excellent signing by Yorkshire

At least he will be more suited to the Headingley pitches than those at Northampton and if he fails to impress then Yorkshire can turn to some of their younger bowlers like Nick Thornicroft and Tim Bresnan.

The batting looks considerably stronger, bolstered by the return of Lehmann and the prospect of Harvey's occasional fireworks.

Matthew Wood had an excellent season last year and Michael Lumb has been arousing the interest of the England's selectors. Then there is the experience of White and McGrath.

Richard Dawson's 17 wickets at nearly fifty apiece demonstrated how tough it can be for a young spinner in county cricket, especially one who plays at Headingley.

He is clearly highly-regarded and was even a candidate for the captaincy. He still has time on his side but his figures need to improve.