ALEX LEES has become Yorkshire’s youngest ever professionally appointed captain at the age of 22 after being handed the reins for limited overs cricket in 2016.

Lees takes over white ball leadership duties from Andrew Gale, who resigned in August and will concentrate on leading the charge to what could be to a third straight Championship title.

The Halifax-born opener beat off competition from “a number of candidates”, according to coach Jason Gillespie, and has admitted he had no doubts that the time was right for him to take on the role.

“I had no doubts, none whatsoever,” said left-handed Lees, who skippered the side during the latter stages of the most recent summer following Gale’s resignation.

“I’m really proud, and it’s humbling that Yorkshire see me as the best option to take the club forward in one-day cricket irrespective of my age.

“It’s a nice feeling, and I’m going to make sure I do everything I can to help Yorkshire win games.

“They told me last week, but I’ve had to keep it quiet.

“We have a real good blend of youth and experience. With myself coming in there’s a new direction and a new voice, which will hopefully revitalise the team and take it forward.

“We’ve signed David Willey and already have Adil Rashid and Liam Plunkett, who will hopefully play a bit more in the one-day forms than they have previously.”

Yorkshire have not won any limited overs silverware since 2002. They reached the T20 domestic semi-final in 2012, but have underperformed in that competition since.

The Vikings have reached the quarter and semi-finals of the Royal London one-day Cup in the last two years.

“Everybody’s right to highlight that we have the squad to win one-day trophies now. We should seize that moment,” added Lees. “Hopefully in the next few years we will win some trophies.

“We want everybody to get behind the team, and with that support I’m sure it will help us play some positive cricket.

“We picked a young side in the semi-final (against Gloucestershire in the RL50), and they will only learn from that.

“We lost that match, but I’m confident that we’ll come through next time if we’re in the same situation. I think we’re ready for the challenge.”

Lees captained Yorkshire ten times last year, including one Championship match, and Gillespie added: “We thought he did a pretty good job.

“After considering a number of candidates, we feel Alex is the right fit for us as captain.

“He learnt a lot on the job last season, and we think he can develop as a leader further. We are delighted to afford him this opportunity, and believe that he will do a fantastic job for our club.”

Lees stands alongside Lord Hawke as one of Yorkshire’s two youngest captains ever.

Hawke was also aged 22 when he took on the captaincy as an amateur in 1883 after leaving Cambridge University - although slightly younger.

Lees, who turns 23 in April, has played 31 one-day matches since debuting in 2011, scoring one hundred and eight fifties in a haul of 961 runs.

Of those 31 matches, four have come in England Lions colours.

He has scored three fifties in 21 Twenty20 appearances, all for Yorkshire, scoring 523 runs.