Byas returns to guide Yorkshire

David Byas will return to Yorkshire as their director of cricket next year, and he will have Ian Harvey as one of his overseas players.

The former Yorkshire captain has agreed to rejoin his native county having been released after leading them to their first County Championship for 33 years in 2001.

The club has undergone major restructuring because of massive financial shortfalls, while Harvey, the former Gloucestershire all-rounder, will boost their playing fortunes after the county were relegated in 2002.

"I see it as a terrific challenge," Byas said. "These sorts of opportunities do not come along every day, and I thought it was too good to miss."

He was aware that the Australian Harvey was likely to be signed. "He is a wonderful player and a terrific signing. I look forward to working with him," he said. Harvey's arrival is subject to clearance from the Australian Cricket Board.

"This took no thinking about," Harvey said. "I wanted to be part of trying to bring Yorkshire back to where it should be and I am eagerly looking forward to this major challenge and playing a full part in their success."

The former Somerset coach Dermot Reeve will not be coming to Headingley, as had been mooted, because of broadcasting commitments.

England will have an opportunity to avenge their one-day series defeat to Sri Lanka after the two countries were drawn together in Pool Four of ICC Champions Trophy in this country in September next year.

England will also play Zimbabwe in the three-team group, with the winners advancing to the semi-finals.

The 12-team tournament will also see Pakistan meet India in Pool Three along with the surprise package of the last World Cup, Kenya.

The top seeds, Australia, will play New Zealand in Pool One, with an as yet unknown qualifier from February's ICC Six Nations Challenge in the United Arab Emirates making up the numbers.

Pool Two will pit the second seeds, South Africa, against West Indies and Bangladesh. The matches will be played at The Oval, Edgbaston and Hampshire's Rose Bowl from 10 to 25 September.