10:32am Monday 23rd November 2009
By Graham Hardcastle
Martyn Moxon has revealed Yorkshire are in discussions with a number of overseas players to fill their second overseas spot for Twenty20 cricket.
Each county will be allowed two overseas players in this season’s revamped Twenty20 Cup, aside from the one allowed in the County Championship and 40-over competition.
The acquisition of a Twenty20 specialist was shot into the limelight last week when Middlesex signed Australian veteran Adam Gilchrist to play in home matches.
“I think it’s fair to say we are looking for a high impact batsman,” said Tykes director of professional cricket Moxon.
“Ideally we don’t want somebody who will be available for just a few games. At the moment it’s all about getting clarification on when the players are available.
“We have been working on this for some time. We are talking to a number of people.”
As reported in The Press on Saturday, Moxon has agreed contracts for seven young players.
York’s Jonny Bairstow, James Lee, Oliver Hannon-Dalby, Gary Ballance, Ben Sanderson and Lee Hodgson have all extended their deals at Headingley, while teenage batsman Joe Root signed his first pro contract.
“I think they are all ready for first-team cricket,” said Moxon. “Most of them have had experience of it, but it’s just about performing well enough to get selected on a more regular basis.”
As for Root, he said: “We feel he’s an exciting prospect, and he’s somebody we have very high hopes for.”
Meanwhile, Yorkshire’s season-long overseas signing Ryan Harris is recovering from a cyst on the outside of his right knee.
The Queensland all-rounder, 30, has not played a first-class match since appearing for Surrey in the County Championship in June.
“I spoke to him the other day,” said Moxon. “He’s a little frustrated at the moment.”
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