Yorkshire open up with a batting order dilemma (From York Press)

Yorkshire open up with a batting order dilemma

12:02pm Tuesday 19th March 2013 in Sport By Myles Hodgson

Yorkshire intend to use their pair of two-day matches against county opposition in Barbados to determine who will become their new opener for the start of the season.

Joe Root’s success on his first full winter with England has potentially opened up a position at the top of the order with the Tykes expecting the selectors to take the Sheffield-born batsman away for most of next summer.

Root finished last season opening with Adam Lyth but Yorkshire, who start a two-day friendly against Northamptonshire today, are already looking ahead to the start of the county season.

Australian Phil Jaques is one option, while Joe Sayers and Alex Lees could also be in contention, and captain Andrew Gale said: “It’s something we will need to play with.”

New signing Jack Brooks is expected to feature today along with York’s Jack Leaning.

Off-spinner Azeem Rafiq is still recovering from a bruised finger so will miss out, while ’keeper Andrew Hodd will also be sidelined after sustaining a knee injury against Nottinghamshire.

Dan Hodgson will take over the gloves in his absence.