IN-FORM left-hander Andrew Gale has won a place in Yorkshire Phoenix's side to play Nottinghamshire Outlaws in the Cheltenham and Gloucester Trophy match at Headingley tomorrow.

And South African paceman Deon Kruis also makes his first appearance of the season after recovering from a torn calf muscle.

Gale has forced his way into the side through sheer weight of runs, having already scored three centuries in the past couple of weeks - two for Driffield in the Yorkshire League and one for Yorkshire Seconds in their three-day match against Durham at Stamford Bridge when he plundered 183.

"Andrew has been very prolific with the bat and deserves to be given his chance," said director of cricket David Byas.

Gale had limited opportunities last summer when he turned out in three Sunday League games but did not figure in a Championship match all season. He scored heavily for the Second XI, however, and also for Bradford League club Cleckheaton where he topped 1,000 runs.

Kruis's comeback could not be more timely because Matthew Hoggard is barred from playing by England.

The South African will be teaming up for the first time this season with Australian Jason Gillespie, also making his C&G debut, and the hope is that they will become one of the most formidable new-ball combinations in the country.

After losing their opening C&G game to Derbyshire a fortnight ago, Yorkshire must overcome Notts if they are to make an impact in the revamped tournament.

Yorkshire from: Wood, White, Lumb, McGrath, Lehmann, Gale, Bresnan, Guy, Dawson, Kruis, Gillespie, Sayers.

Updated: 09:58 Saturday, May 06, 2006