YORKSHIRE have turned back the clock by re-signing off-spinner James Middlebrook as cover for international absentee Adil Rashid, with the 37-year-old likely to debut against Warwickshire at Headingley tomorrow.

Middlebrook has been drafted into a 12-man squad for the third Championship match of 2015, with 19-year-old Sessay left-armer Karl Carver returning to second team duty.

Leeds-born Middlebrook has been without a county since leaving Northamptonshire at the end of last season, and he has been playing Bradford League cricket for New Farnley, for whom he will play today.

Middlebrook has also played for Essex during a career which has seen him take 458 first-class wickets from 220 matches, 49 of which came for Yorkshire in 23 matches between 1998 and 2001.

The signing has been made as Rashid is unavailable to face last season’s runners-up because of England duty in the Caribbean, with Middlebrook saying: “It has been surreal.

“I wasn’t expecting a call to come and play first-class cricket again, and to get the call from Yorkshire was a shock.

“I’m excited and looking forward to my second debut with the club. It will be a big honour to walk out in front of the Yorkshire members at Headingley.

“Yorkshire are a talented side with some great players. I’ll do my job, and hopefully help the lads get a win against Warwickshire.”

In Rashid’s absence, Carver played in the opening round win against Worcestershire before missing the draw against Nottinghamshire earlier this week, with coach Jason Gillespie opting for an all seam attack.

“With our first choice spinner Adil Rashid in the Caribbean, we felt we had to look at an option to fill that void,” said Gillespie.

“Karl Carver has been in our squad this season, and we have been pleased with his development over the past 12 months. However, at this point in time, we feel he is best served learning his trade in the second team.

“James was available having been released by Northamptonshire last season.

“The fact that he is based in Leeds playing local league cricket in the Bradford League, we felt that with his experience, he could come in and do a job for us in the short-term.

“He is an experienced campaigner, and knows the county system inside out.

“I expect him to do well for us and add to our squad in the short-term.

James will play for his club, New Farnley, on Saturday, and will more than likely make his debut for us on Sunday against Warwickshire.”

Middlebrook should also strengthen Yorkshire’s batting line-up.

Added to his 29 Championship wickets for Northants last season, he was also their leading run-scorer with 825 runs from 16 matches, including five fifties with a best of 87.

He scored 63 and 70 in matches against Yorkshire as an opening batsman.

Yorkshire (12-man squad v Warwickshire): Gale (c), Bresnan, Brooks, Fisher, Hodd (w), Leaning, Lees, Middlebrook, Patterson, Pujara, Pyrah, Rhodes.