WE ARE currently taking another look at Azeem Rafiq at Yorkshire following his release from the club at the end of 2014.

He's played a few second-team games during the last few weeks and we'll see how it goes. He hasn't signed anything – but who knows?

Azeem struggled a few years ago but he's gone away and found himself. He now feels like he's in the right headspace to give it another crack.

He's bowled really well in the matches he's played so far and he'll get more chances to bowl his overs. He seems almost a different bloke now to what he was when he left us.

Azeem Rafiq bowling anywhere near his best, he's one of the best one-day spinners in the country. Let's see how it progresses.

Kane Williamson rejoined the squad last week ahead of his six-week spell as our overseas player and it's great to have him around.

Kane is great to talk to about all formats of the game. He's the New Zealand captain, he's a great player and, as well, he's a gentleman. I'm really looking forward to speaking at length with him about the team and my own game.

Hopefully with Kane alongside us, we can create something good at the club that will last. Although he's not here for a massive amount of time, he can still be a big part of what we do at the club.

Away from Yorkshire matters, it was great to see Alastair Cook reach the 10,000-run milestone in his Test career in the second Test against Sri Lanka at Durham recently. He was also awarded a CBE in the Honour's List just a few days ago.

Ten thousand runs, it's an incredible feat – and he will go down in English history. He's obviously our best batsman ever; our leading run-scorer. He epitomises that English grit and determination.

Alastair had his woes over the last couple of years but he backed himself, came through it and showed everybody what he's about. He has all the attributes you need to be a world-class cricketer.

Alastair likes to lead from the front, which is something I like to try and do as well. He's one of the fittest and strongest in the squad. He backs his players, which are all traits I try to take into my game.

If you can have even half the career that he's had, no matter who you are, you'll be pretty happy come the end of it.

I'm sure he's got three or four years at least left in him at the highest level. For English cricket's sake, I hope he keeps going and keeps racking up the landmarks.

Jonny Bairstow has yet another century to his name thanks to that 167 not out in the current Test at Lord's. He's just in that purple patch at the moment and he's definitely riding a wave. Everything seems to be going for him.

A time will no doubt come when he's not playing as well as he'd like to, so it's great to see that he's making the most of it now. He'll look back and remember this period of his career forever, I would have thought.

Hopefully he can keep scoring runs for England. Certainly at Yorkshire, for his sake, we don't want to see him back here too much in the near future. I think he's done enough to cement his role in that team and earn a good run of games as a batter and a keeper.

The Yorkshire lads have had a sweepstake for the European Championships, which we take a keen interest in, and I've picked out the Czech Republic. I think I may as well burn my money!

Given that a lot are evening fixtures, we can watch some around the cricket.

I would say that Spain are the obvious tip but looking at the home nation France as they've got a really strong team.

Spain? I don't think they are as good as they were in 2012 but I'm not sure you can look past them. Germany are always strong as well.

Your outside bet, I reckon, is England. If we can get on a roll and get some confidence, you never know.

* Alex and sponsors Pennine Business Partners are aiming to Hit Cancer for Six in 2016. They are donating £10 to the Laura Crane Youth Cancer Trust every time Alex hits a six or takes a catch and are asking cricket lovers everywhere to support this great cause that provides special care and support to young people fighting cancer. Visit Pennine Business Partners page on Just Giving https://www.justgiving.com/Pennine-Business-Partners.