JASON Gillespie has revealed that Adam Lyth sees this week's second XI appearance for Yorkshire as key to his preparations for next month's Ashes series.

Lyth is one of three current or former Test players featuring in a three-day Championship match against Derbyshire on his home ground at Scarborough, starting today.

Australian overseas all-rounder Glenn Maxwell will play – as will Ryan Sidebottom and Lyth's county opening partner Alex Lees, a regular for England Lions.

Lyth, who played his junior and early league cricket at North Marine Road, is back with Yorkshire in between Test series against New Zealand and Australia, which starts on July 8.

The left-handed opener, who scored his maiden Test hundred against New Zealand last month, will have played three Championship matches in between England appearances come next month's first Test at Cardiff.

He has been left out of England's one-day squad for their ongoing series against the Kiwis and he has also been omitted from Yorkshire's NatWest T20 Blast side during the last fortnight.

"We see it as a great opportunity for some of the lads to play with the week off from the LV= County Championship," said White Rose coach Gillespie.

"We want the lads to get some meaningful cricket and there is no better facility than Scarborough.

"It also gives some of the younger players a great opportunity to learn from the experienced members of the squad.

"Adam was keen to play and get as much cricket under his belt before the Test series against Australia next month and it is better than having a net."

For the likes of Lees and Maxwell, this week provides the ideal opportunity to find some form.

Since scoring 100 in the Championship draw against Nottinghamshire at Trent Bridge in April, opener Lees has failed to get above 34 in eight innings in that competition and 11 in all first-team cricket.

Maxwell will step down from overseas duties in the Championship now that Aaron Finch is back fit from his torn hamstring – but he badly needs some runs ahead of T20 duties.

"Glenn wants to continue playing against the red ball and develop his skills in the long form of the game, so this week is ideal for him," said Gillespie, who could have Sidebottom available for selection for the Championship match against Nottinghamshire at Headingley starting on Monday.

"Ryan has fully recovered from his calf tear and is raring to go. He could have played against Middlesex last week but we have another ten games left in the Championship, so we don't want to rush him back."

Yorkshire are in T20 Blast action again against Notts at Headingley on Friday, looking to end a run of three defeats on the bounce.