10:45am Tuesday 16th March 2010
By Graham Hardcastle
Captain Andrew Gale says the side for tomorrow’s tour clash with Derbyshire will give an insight into Yorkshire’s thinking ahead of the County Championship campaign.
Gale takes charge of the White Rose county for the first time in the two-day friendly in Barbados.
Jacques Rudolph, Tim Bresnan, Ajmal Shahzad and Daryl Tuffey are not with the 19-man squad, but Gale revealed: “This should give you an indication as to what sort of side we’re looking at.
“There are probably three or four spots up for grabs, and the lads who perform well on tour – and are in form – will get picked.
“From a bowling point of view, we’re unsure about the seamers – who’s going to be about. “You never know whether Tim Bresnan or Ajmal Shahzad will come back with a niggle.
“We have also got two wicketkeepers fighting for places, and a couple of batting spots up for grabs.”
Gerard Brophy is close to full fitness after ankle surgery earlier in the winter, but this clash will come too soon for the South African. York ace Jonny Bairstow will don the gloves.
Gale is excited at the prospect of leading his team out for the first time at the 3 Ws Oval, even though he had some experience with the England Lions in the UAE.
He said: “I will be quite proud to lead the lads out on to the field of play. To be the first one out will be special.”
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