Yorkshire have appointed their former off-spinner Richard Dawson as the club’s new second-team coach.

The ex-England Test player returns to Headingley from Gloucestershire, where he has been a specialist spin bowling and one-day coach.

Dawson, capped seven times at Test level between 2001 and 2003 with 11 wickets, will take up his new post on April 1, having replaced the new Sri Lanka national team coach Paul Farbrace.

During his playing career, the 33-year-old from Doncaster won the County Championship with Yorkshire in 2001 and the Cheltenham & Gloucester Trophy in 2002.

“I am delighted to be working for Yorkshire,” said Dawson, who is heading out to the United Arab Emirates later this week to help coach the England under 19s squad at the World Cup as part of an England Performance Programme role.

“I enjoyed six years as a player at Headingley and had some great times, including winning a couple of trophies. To have the opportunity to return and be part of the coaching staff is a real honour and a fresh challenge that I’m relishing.

“Yorkshire have a number of exciting prospects coming through and to be part of their development over the next few years will be a major part of my role.

“This is a club that is heading in the right direction. I look forward to working alongside Martyn (Moxon), Dizzy (Jason Gillespie), the players and the rest of the coaching set-up.”

Despite being one of the youngest coaches around at 33, Dawson already has plenty of experience under his belt, which excites the Yorkshire hierarchy.

Director of cricket Moxon admitted: “Richard greatly impressed on interview and is highly thought of throughout the game. He has been successful so far in his coaching career.

“He will bring an understanding of what is required to become a Yorkshire cricketer. He will be a great asset in developing our players at all levels.”

Dawson’s return to Yorkshire will coincide with the opening day of the new season, when the students of Leeds/Bradford MCC Universities visit Headingley for a three-day friendly.