SEVERAL of Yorkshire's most promising youngsters have been included in the county's squad of 14 for the pre-season tour of Grenada beginning on March 20.

They include opening batsman, Chris Taylor, who celebrates his 21st birthday tomorrow, all-rounders Alex Stead (21) and John Sadler (20), and 6ft 4in right-arm fast bowler David Stiff, a product of Batley Grammar School who plays for the Yorkshire Academy side in the Yorkshire League.

Taylor made his Yorkshire debut last season, playing in three Championship matches, but the other three have yet to be given a senior outing.

"All the youngsters have deserved their chance because of what they did last season and this is an excellent opportunity for them to improve their game and mix with senior players," said Yorkshire coach Arnie Sidebottom who will manage the tour.

Michael Vaughan, Matthew Hoggard and Richard Dawson will all be unavailable because of England's Test series in New Zealand while Darren Gough - who is due to return home after the one-day series - is being given a rest along with Matthew Wood, Steven Kirby and Ryan Sidebottom who are all currently at the new England Academy in Adelaide where they are being put through their paces by Rod Marsh.

The four capped Yorkshire players making the tour are Richard Blakey, Anthony McGrath, Gavin Hamilton and Chris Silverwood.

Yorkshire's director of coaching, Wayne Clark, will accompany the party along with first team physiotherapist Matthew Carrico and fitness trainer Simon Ward.

Yorkshire tour squad: Richard Blakey, Vic Craven, Gary Fellows, Andy Gray, Simon Guy, Gavin Hamilton, Michael Lumb, Anthony McGrath, Scott Richardson, David Stiff, Chris Silverwood, Chris Taylor, John Sadler, Alex Stead.

Updated: 11:56 Wednesday, February 20, 2002