Simon Widdup has won the battle to open for Yorkshire alongside Michael Vaughan in the Cricinfo Championship curtain-raiser against Kent at Canterbury tomorrow.

Left hander Michael Lumb and offspinner Richard Dawson are also included in the squad of 13 and eager to make their championship debuts but it is Lumb, son of former Yorkshire opener Richard, who is more likely to get the nod.

Vaughan's test colleague, Matthew Hoggard, has also been given permission by England boss Duncan Fletcher to turn out but he has insisted that both Darren Gough and Craig White are rested.

Senior wicket keeper Richard Blakey lost the gloves in the latter part of last season in championship matches to young Simon Guy, but Blakey is preferred for the opening encounter.

New coach Wayne Clark, from Western Australia, was one of the speakers when Yorkshire held their pre-season lunch at Elland Road yesterday.

He told his audience that he had been very impressed by the attitude of the players since taking over a month ago from Martyn Moxon who is now with Durham.

Clark revealed a five point plan for the players which is: Pride in themselves and Yorkshire; the team coming first in terms of achievement; work ethics; working to a good game plan and enjoyment.

Yorkshire (v Kent) from: Vaughan, Widdup, McGrath, Lehmann, Byas, Lumb, Fellows, Hamilton, Blakey, Dawson, Silverwood, Sidebottom, Hoggard.

Updated: 09:59 Tuesday, April 24, 2001