Gavin Hamilton is back in Yorkshire Phoenix's squad of 12 for their National League game against Kent Phoenix at Tunbridge Wells tomorrow and he will feature solely as a batsman if selected.

Craig White returns as he continues his recovery from pre-season surgery and wicketkeeper Simon Guy and all-rounder Pieter Swanepoel are set to make their debuts in the coloured-clothing competition.

Although Hamilton has not yet regained his confidence with the ball, head coach Kevin Sharp feels he is worth considering for his batting ability alone and that view was strengthened this week when the left-hander thrashed an unbeaten 143 against Bradford-Leeds Universities' Centre of Excellence.

"It was not only in this game that Gavin has shone with the bat recently and I am most happy to have him back in contention," said Sharp.

"Our batting has not been at its best and Gavin may be able to make some useful contributions."

If Hamilton does get his chance, it will be his first outing in the National League since August 29, 2001.

The South African-born Pieter Swanepoel impressed Yorkshire on his Championship debut against Durham and he added to his growing reputation with a good bowling performance in the Universities' match.

"Pieter is a very trustworthy cricketer," said Sharp.

"You know that he bowls consistently in the right areas and that he challenges batsmen all the time. He is resolute with bat and ball."

Despite Guy putting on the wicketkeeping gloves, Richard Blakey retains his place as a batsman but he will now need to make good scores regularly if he is to remain in the one-day side.

This is a big match for Phoenix who have lost three consecutive games after starting the season with a win, but Spitfires are there to be shot down because their record is even worse. They, too, won their first game but have since lost four on the trot.

Yorkshire Phoenix from: Wood, White, Yuvraj, Lumb, Blakey, Guy, Silverwood, Sidebottom, Gough, Gray, Hamilton, Swanepoel.

Updated: 11:07 Saturday, June 07, 2003