YORKSHIRE’S fast bowling injury and unavailability crisis has deepened with the news that Steve Patterson suffered a broken finger in training yesterday and is unlikely to play against Essex.
Patterson has been included in a 13-man squad, although his participation is rated as unlikely.
Ben Coad, who is recovering from a hip flexor problem, is in the same boat.
Before Liam Plunkett and David Willey agreed IPL deals on Saturday and Monday, Coad had been ruled out.
Now, he could be risked by Andrew Gale, who is without or has doubts over Plunkett, Willey, Coad, Patterson, Matthew Fisher and James Wainman – the latter two both having side injuries.
It means Josh Shaw and Matthew Waite are in line to face the county champions.
Essex won both of last season’s fixtures between the two and are set to hand debuts to all-rounder Matt Coles and Australian overseas seamer Peter Siddle. Alastair Cook is unavailable.
Yorkshire squad: Ballance c, Bresnan, Brook, Brooks, Coad, Hodd w, Leaning, Lees, Lyth, Patterson, Pujara, Shaw, Waite.
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