Phil Jaques to play key role in developing Yorkshire's own talent (From York Press)

Phil Jaques to play key role in developing Yorkshire's own talent

10:24am Thursday 24th November 2011 in Yorkshire League By Graham Hardcastle

Martyn Moxon insists the capture of Australian batsman Phil Jaques can help Yorkshire continue with their strategy of producing home-grown stars.

The 32-year-old left-hander from New South Wales has signed on as Yorkshire’s overseas player for the next two years, with the county’s director of professional cricket declaring that the former international will give the side much-needed experience.

Jaques, who has had previous county spells at Yorkshire, Northamptonshire and Worcestershire and is currently recovering from a torn hip flexor, averaged 61.92 in two seasons of Championship cricket with Yorkshire in 2004 and 2005.

Moxon said: “Our philosophy is to try and produce our own players, we are trying to achieve a successful team that is built on developing Yorkshire cricketers.

“But too many of our players are still learning their own game, and it showed last year.

“We need that little bit of quality and experience to help us in the short-term. Then, in the long-term, that should help the younger players.

“It is a rare commodity to find a player of Phil’s stature and secure him for two full summers, so we’re delighted that he’s agreed to join us. I’m looking forward to working with him.”

Jaques was born to British parents, although another reason why he has not played much state cricket recently for New South Wales is the death of his mother, Mary.

White Rose skipper Andrew Gale has echoed Moxon’s comments. He said: “Phil was top of our list when we heard that he was available.

“It’s always a worry when you bring in an overseas player – can they do it in English conditions? But Phil’s got a proven track record in English cricket.

“We know what he’s like as a character, and he’ll be a great signing for the club.”

Ironically, Gale is hoping that the new signing will replicate what he did to his own career with the likes of Adam Lyth, currently playing grade cricket in Perth, Joe Root and Gary Ballance.

Left-handed Gale, who turns 28 on Monday, was trying to make his way in the game when Jaques last graced the Headingley dressing rooms.

And he added: “I learned a lot from him as a batter in terms of how hard he worked. His work ethic was top drawer. He was the ultimate professional if you like.

“If you compare him to someone who I’d seen before in Darren Lehmann, who had a couple of pints every night and went out and blasted a hundred, I thought that was how it’s done.

“Then I saw the other side of the coin with Phil Jaques.”

Tykes’ pace target

AN experienced pace bowler is still on Yorkshire’s wanted list as they look to wrap up their squad for 2012.

Experienced Australian Test batsman Phil Jaques has already signed for the Tykes for next season, but club chairman Colin Graves is targeting one more addition before the campaign kicks off on April 5.

“We need to try and strengthen in that area to cover ourselves for any injuries we get,” said York-based Graves.

“It’s something we’ve discussed, but we don’t want to rush into anything just for the sake of it.”