JACK BROOKS is hoping for a decent run in Yorkshire’s Vitality Blast team in order to prove he shouldn't be pigeon-holed as a red ball specialist.

The Vikings' 'Headband Warrior' is back in the fold after a little over three years away.

Thursday’s outing in the win over Durham Jets at Emerald Headingley was his first since mid-June 2015, and he impressed with 3-21 from four overs.

Brooks, 34, played again in Sunday’s defeat to last year’s runners-up Birmingham Bears at Edgbaston without striking.

However, he is confident there are more good things to come, having taken a T20 five-for in his first season at Yorkshire in 2013 and gained second-string international recognition with England in one-day cricket.

“My last appearance was around three years ago, I can’t remember exactly when,” he said.

“I’ve certainly not played anything in the last two seasons having been injured and rested due to the scheduling, and it’s been really frustrating.

“I don’t see myself as just a red ball bowler, and you kind of get pigeon-holed once you miss a little bit.

“It was nice to come back in and bowl well in the first game last week, get some wickets and remind people what I’m capable of.

“I’ve been involved in England Lions squads, so it’s not as if I’ve never bowled with a white ball before.

“I back my skills. It’s just that my red ball skills have been really good for the last few years, and I was rested for a few white ball games on the back of that.

“Then, I’ve had some injuries at bad times on top.

“We’ve got a really strong white ball team, so when you do get your chance you have to take it.”

He continued: “It’s been difficult to do real quality practice because of the scheduling, but the last few weeks and coming into this season I’ve put more emphasis on my white ball skills.

“If you’re confident in your skills and have a clear plan coming into a game, then it just comes down to how you execute.

“I always back myself when I’m in good form.

“When I started at Northamptonshire, I didn't really see it as any pressure. It was a win-win situation, and I could just try and make a name for myself.

“Coming to Yorkshire, it’s been tougher trying to get into the team with a lot of quality players.

“But I love T20 - quality crowds, quality atmosphere.”

Brooks is two appearances away from the 50-mark in his career and nine wickets away from the same milestone. The former could realistically come in Sunday’s trip to face Worcestershire at New Road.

Yorkshire have a won one, lost one record at the start of their North Group campaign, with the Bears defeat being as comprehensive as the Jets win.

Brooks added: “Sunday wasn't our day, but you’ve still got to walk away with a smile on your face. We have another game soon, so hopefully we’ll turn it around.

“We played that well the first game, we’re not going to get too down about it (the Bears defeat). The way we play, we’re going to have the odd loss. I’d like to think we’ll turn it around next game.”

Yorkshire were due to play tonight against Derbyshire at Emerald Headingley, but that game has now been rearranged for July 30 (6.30pm) to avoid a clash with England’s FIFA World Cup semi-final against Croatia.

Their next fixture is now against Durham at Emirates Riverside on Friday night (6.30pm).