Yorkshire have been given the green light to play Matthew Hoggard in their first five Twenty-20 group matches, starting with the curtain-raiser against Lancashire at Headingley tomorrow starting at 5.30pm.

And director of cricket David Byas is confident that England will also allow their top paceman (pictured) to play in the last three as well, provided he has by then not picked up any injuries in the action-packed matches.

"It is excellent news and gives us a real boost," said Byas.

"We are very keen to make it through the group stages of the competition and into the quarter-finals and Matthew's presence should help us enormously."

As well as having Hoggard's services in the immediate future, Yorkshire have also been told that he can play in the next County Championship match against Worcestershire at New Road, starting on July 8, and the Cheltenham and Gloucester Trophy quarter-final clash with Northamptonshire at Headingley on July 16.

Yorkshire have chosen a squad of 12 for the first of their eight North group Twenty20 matches which will be spread over the next fortnight.

But one major absentee will be their leading strike bowler Deon Kruis, who is being rested.

Yorkshire have relied heavily on the South African in the Championship and he is easily their leading wicket-taker with 28 dismissals.

He has also bowled far more overs than anyone else.

Said Byas: "Deon is in need of a short break and we need to be absolutely sure that he is at his best when we return to Championship cricket."

Woodlands all-rounder Richard Pyrah gains a place, as does Australian trialist, Adam Warren, but there is no room for either Chris Taylor or Andrew Gale, whose only first team appearances so far this season were in the three-day friendly against Leeds Bradford Universities Centre of Excellence.

"It is hard luck on those who have not made it but competition for places is very strong and it is a healthy situation to be in," said Byas.

Captain Craig White's scan on his painful knee has revealed no serious problem.

Meanwhile, Australian left-hander Phil Jaques has now fully recovered from his hamstring strain and is certain to play against Lancashire.

Yorkshire (v Lancashire) from: Harvey, Wood, Jaques, Lumb, McGrath, Pyrah, White, Dawood, Dawson, Bresnan, Hoggard, Warren.

Updated: 11:31 Tuesday, June 21, 2005