JOE Root has urged his Yorkshire team-mates to try and be the match-winner in tonight’s Vitality Blast Roses clash with leaders Lancashire at Emirates Old Trafford.

The England star is one of a host of returning internationals on both sides, although the majority of them will be Vikings.

Root admitted: “On paper, if you’re going to the game, you’re going to be in for a treat. You look at some of the names in the Lancashire side as well, guys like Jos Buttler, it’s going to make for a great spectacle.

"As soon as you get out there as a player though, names are irrelevant. It’s all about the performances you put in.

“It’s about relishing that challenge and the big occasion and trying to be the guy that makes the difference. Hopefully there’s a few fellas on our side hungry to step up to the plate and do just that.”

All the focus has been on the England players made available for this and Sunday’s Specsavers County Championship match between the two sides.

Kane Williamson’s return to Yorkshire colours has flown under the radar somewhat though. Not with Root, however.

“Kane’s going to be a massive part of this team for the rest of the summer,” said the England Test captain.

“He’s one of the best players in the world across all three formats. He’s going to bring a hell of a lot. He has done on previous occasions when he’s played for us - on and off the field.

“His demeanour, his character, his experience. He has a great way with the guys in the dressing room.”

Root heads into tonight's game having found form this week, scoring back-to-back ODI centuries for England against India, including one in the series-deciding win at Emerald Headingley on Tuesday.

“I’m looking forward to it, being involved in any Roses game is something you want to be a part of," he said.

“To get the opportunity to play at Old Trafford again in probably the biggest domestic fixture in T20 format for Yorkshire is really exciting.

“It’s been a good start. There’s been some strong performances, and we’ve won the majority of our games.

“When you get involved in a Twenty20 tournament, that momentum can be quite crucial. It’s really important we carry that forward, and we relish this challenge of going to Old Trafford and trying to get another win.

“There’s been some wonderful fixtures in the past. Hopefully that can be the case this time and we can come out on top.

“I’m really looking forward to it on a personal front. We follow the game up with the four-day match on Sunday, and that should be another fantastic fixture.”