IS Gary Ballance currently in England’s best Test XI? In my opinion, yes he is.

I would have him in because I don’t think you can ignore someone who has 900 runs in all cricket before we’ve even got to mid-May.

I don’t think there’s a better batter in the country than him at the moment.

It’s very much like the old Gaz again, and it would be a real shame if he didn’t play against South Africa in early July.

I don’t think it’s any coincidence that this run of form has come about just after being appointed as Yorkshire’s new captain.

I think he feels even more accountable for his runs now he’s in the job.

He looks to have that hunger and method back, and he looks like he’s going to get runs every time he goes out to the crease in whatever format, highlighted by his 152 against Northants on Wednesday in the Royal London one-day Cup.

That was a match I missed with all of the England lads being available.

But I managed to get some valuable time at the crease and a century under my belt in a second-team game against Warwickshire at Harrogate, which finished yesterday.

I’ve said a few times that I feel I have hit the ball well all year.

Getting a run out at Harrogate is something I needed to keep me ticking over in this period out of the first team, and I was happy with how I played.

Three or four hours at the crease can be vital to keep that rhythm going, and scoring runs and hundreds is a habit no matter what team you play in.

To be honest, all the batsmen who are currently out of the first team look to be in good order, the likes of Jack Leaning, Will Rhodes, Ryan Gibson, Andrew Hodd and Jonny Tattersall.

Then there is Jack Brooks and Ryan Sidebottom, who have been out injured since the start of the season but are back fit again and in contention for next weekend’s Roses Championship match at Old Trafford.

They’ve both bowled their overs this week and have taken a few wickets.

I certainly don’t envy the Warwickshire second team when you come up here and have to face Sidebottom, Brooks and Patterson.

Ryan and Jack are two of the best new ball bowlers in county cricket, so to have them on the team sheet is brilliant for us.

We have significant competition for places now with the rise of Ben Coad.

We’ve almost gone from having no bowlers at the start of the season to having too many now, and it’s a good headache to have.

I would like to finish off by giving you an update on the health of my good mate Alex Tait, whose story I’m sure you will be aware of.

Having suffered very nasty facial injuries whilst bowling in Lightcliffe’s winter indoor nets, Alex is certainly on the mend and in a decent place.

He’s had a plate inserted into his forehead, and he’s got his vision back again. He’s as fit and healthy as he can be at the minute.

I think he’s still a bit off full fitness. He still needs a couple of operation, but if everything goes well I think he’ll be almost there apart from never being able to play cricket again.

But he’s got a decent quality of life back, which is great.

After the accident, that’s unbelievable and testament to the health service, their surgeons and specialists.

There is a dinner being put on for him in the Premier Suite at Headingley next Thursday evening.

Matthew Hoggard will speak alongside a comedian and Dave Callaghan from BBC Radio will MC. I’m going but just as a friend. I don’t think anyone would want to listen to me speak!

As Alex’s JustGiving webpage did so well, I believe he is donating some of the proceeds from the dinner to the Ross Smith Foundation, a lad who Alex played football with before he passed away due to illness.

Tickets are £40. For more information, contact Dave Callaghan on 07789 908031.