About David Byas
Straight talking and uncompromising, David was a professional farmer whose hobby just happened to be cricket. It has been a mindset that has allowed him to rise above the back-biting and in-fighting that has characterised Yorkshire cricket for so long. After a decades service as a robust opening batsman, he was appointed captain in 1996, and will forever be remembered as the captain who in 2001, delivered Yorkshire their first County Championship title for 33 years.
It should have been his crowning glory, but instead he was driven into an early retirement as the politicking of the Yorkshire committee eventually caught up with him.He was so incensed by his marginalisation that he did the unthinkable and defected across the Pennines to join Lancashire for the 2002 season.
He could not stay away from Yorkshire for long and returned to Headingley in 2004 as Director of Cricket. Internal politics forced him out of the job in 2006 as Yorkshire lured Chris Adams to become there Captain and Director of Cricket, only for Chris to do U turn and turn the opportunity down.
Byas then left the club the following January by mutual consent, ending a 20 year association with Yorkshire cricket.
Having had a 20 year association with the game David is now wanting to give back to the game some of the experience that he has gained through that time and as such holds the position of Director of coaching and development at Pocklington School, wanting to help develop selfless players who though desperate to succeed, play with honesty and integrity and know the true value of commitment.
He is also Cricket Manager at Scarborough Cricket Club, were he started his cricket career some 25 years ago, again wanting to assist in the development of the cricket in that area.
David is also involved as an ECB Umpire coach, a new scheme that has just finished its first season and consists of him working , coaching and mentoring a number of first-class umpires, in both the professional game and at County second team level.
Born: August 26 1963, Middle Dale Farm, Kilham, Driffield.
Major Teams: Yorkshire, 1985-2001 and Lancashire 2002 season.
Career Span: 1985-2002
Nickname: Billy, Bingo
Batting Style: Left-Hand bat
Bowling Style: Right-Arm bowler
Height: 6ft 4in
Education: Scarborough College
