JOE Sayers has missed out on selection for Yorkshire's opening Championship match against Essex at Chelmsford tomorrow despite ending last season in a blaze of glory.

Having graduated from Oxford University, the left-handed Sayers made his Championship debut in mid-August and when promoted to opener in the last two games he weighed in with first-wicket partnerships of 162, 69, 171 and 13 with Australian Phil Jaques.

But Yorkshire have decided to revert to the opening combination of Jaques and Matthew Wood, leaving Sayers to fight to win back his place.

Director of cricket David Byas said: "It was a very tough decision to leave out Joe but one or two other batsmen shaded him on experience alone.

"With virtually a full playing staff to choose from, Joe is not the only one to feel unfortunate and pace bowlers John Blain and David Lucas also came close to gaining selection."

Yorkshire's close season signing South African paceman Deon Kruis will make his first class debut for his adopted county.

"Deon has shown maturity and discipline since joining us and knows what his game plan is," said Byas. "The early signs are that he will do well for us but I don't want to put him under too much pressure.

"We travel to Essex in confident mood but I must admit to a little nervousness because it is important that we get the season off to a good start and they are very tough opponents."

YORKSHIRE (v Essex) from: Wood, Jaques, McGrath, Lumb, Harvey, White, Dawood, Dawson, Silverwood, Kruis, Hoggard, Bresnan, Lawson.

Updated: 10:19 Tuesday, April 12, 2005