THE decision to give Gary Ballance the Yorkshire captaincy was a no brainer, considering his experience and record, and I'm very comfortable with the decision the club have made.

Captaincy is something I've always done and enjoyed, although it's not something I have ever gone looking for.

I was afforded the opportunity this year to captain the limited-overs teams and did it. We did okay in both competitions but it's got to be about what's best for the club.

Another factor is that Gary now – and you may say unfortunately for him, given his England ambitions – looks like he is going to be around all year with us.

I said before I was comfortable with whatever decision was made as long as it was communicated and dealt with in the right way, and this was. We all now look forward to a Gale-Ballance partnership to lead us forward.

If you put six or seven years on me from now, I'll be 29 or 30, which is still relatively young. I've got lots of time if, later down the line, the opportunity arises and I fancy doing the job. But for right now, I can look after my own game for half a decade.

My goal hasn't changed. Ever since I was a little boy, I've wanted international recognition. Maybe this allows me that chance to concentrate on my game and perform for Yorkshire and maybe further afield. I see it as a good thing all round.

Last season showed we can play white-ball cricket and compete in all three competitions. Obviously it was disappointing not to win anything but it was encouraging and gives the lads belief ahead of next year.

Last season also showed what a good squad and team we are at Yorkshire to have injuries and overseas call-ups mixed in with not playing our best cricket.

It was a good show of character to go close to trophies on all three fronts. We know that if we have a relatively stable team, we will compete again next year.

Every great team has a setback or two and if we are to be classed as that, the next two or three years are vital. If we do bounce back, I don't think anyone can doubt the type of team we are. It's an exciting time to be involved and the lads are as hungry as ever.

The new year will see me head off to New Zealand for a couple of months to play some cricket for the Bay of Plenty and train with the Northern Districts state side.

There are no guarantees but there is a chance I could play a couple of first-class games for them if they are hit by international call-ups.

They are a little bit like Yorkshire in that they have so many international players in their squad, including Kane Williamson, and hopefully that gives me the opportunity.

The Bay of Plenty is probably the equivalent of Minor Counties level. My plan is to fly out in the first week of January and return about ten days before we go on pre-season tour in mid-March.

Having had the break last winter, I'm feeling much fresher and not mentally fatigued like I was. The season was tough, without doubt, but I'm looking forward to playing again.

For me, it's about going away and getting in some good form, working on my game outdoors.

I also want a bit of a life experience because this is the first time I'll have ever done something like this. I've been away with the Lions a few times but this will be different – there will be a pressure on me as an overseas, even if it is just below state level.

Hopefully I can then come back and hit our county season running. Those who go away usually come back looking like they are ten times better for it. Will Rhodes and Karl Carver went to India and developed, Jack Leaning went to Australia a couple of years ago and came back in great touch.

There are also a couple of Yorkshire links over there. Kane has put a good word in for me, which is nice. James Pamment, the Northern Districts coach, is also a Yorkshireman by birth and a former goalkeeper with Bradford City as a schoolboy.

Seeing what Scott Borthwick did with Wellington last winter was a factor and it was something I, along with Yorkshire and my agent, felt would be good for me to do.

I just want to finish by wishing all Yorkshire supporters a merry Christmas and happy new year. Remember, though, don't eat and drink too much...

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