ANDREW Gale has hailed a successful pre-season training camp in Potchefstroom for his Yorkshire squad having finished their match schedule yesterday.

The White Rose coach has been delighted with the progress made by both bowlers and batsmen, with six centurions in six days of cricket arguably the biggest positive.

Fast bowler Jack Brooks was the latest to reach three figures during an intra-squad friendly at the Senwes Park international venue yesterday.

Yorkshire have a day off today before flying home tomorrow.

"It's been fantastic for us," said Gale, who saw his side claim 50-over wins against Leeds/Bradford MCC Universities and Nottinghamshire last week as well as having the better of a two-day clash with the latter.

"In the batting department we've had six hundreds, and that was something we spoke about at length. When guys get in, we want them to make big contributions.

"We've had batsmen retiring when they were playing well on 50 or 60, and they could have gone on and got hundreds.

"Our batting has been below par for a number of years, and there was scrutiny for the right reasons at the end of last season.

"We knew we had to improve. We came back earlier and have worked hard. We stripped it right back to hitting tennis balls and have built it up as we've gone along.

"We've also spoken about it from a mental point of view. If we're going to compete for trophies, we have to be really greedy for runs. You never have enough runs on the board.

"From the bowling department, we're getting near to where we want to be. The lads are starting to hit their straps. The fielding has also been good throughout.

"It's good to get out on grass and catch some high balls as opposed to being in the Cricket Centre."

There are two injury concerns for Gale – James Wainman and Ben Coad.

"James Wainman has a side strain. We're unsure until we get a scan exactly how long he'll be out for, but he won't be back immediately," explained Gale.

"Ben Coad has a slight hip flexor problem. It is a bit of a concern, but it has improved since Saturday. Again, until we get a scan, we won't know long he'll be out for."

Overall fitnesswise, Gale said: "You've got to give yourself the best chance, and you shouldn't use fitness as an excuse. We've upped the ante this winter. We've done extra sessions, and everybody has bought into that.

"The lads are as lean as they've ever been, which obviously helps with athleticism in the field."

He went on: "The facilities have been top drawer.

"We're right next to the Test ground, the nets are two minutes away, the food is what Olympic athletes eat, we've been training at altitude with an Olympic gym just across the way. And we've been playing on an international ground.

"Usually on pre-season tours, you're playing on club grounds. But the wicket here has been fantastic. It gives us really good preparation for the season."

One man who enjoyed a positive tour was Karl Carver, who struck three times on Saturday and twice against Notts at the start of the week. With Adil Rashid opting out of red-ball cricket, the left-arm spinner is primed for more opportunities.

Gale added: "Karl's done well. He's still work in progress – he knows that. But he has bowled a lot of overs on this tour and is getting more confident. He has our full backing."