Left-arm fast bowler David Lucas makes his competitive debut for Yorkshire later today when Phoenix resume their battle for promotion in the totesport League with a floodlit match against bottom-of-the-table Surrey Lions at Headingley.

Lucas, 26, signed from Nottinghamshire at the start of the season, steps into the side in place of fast bowler Matthew Hoggard, who has been barred from playing in the game by England.

So far, Lucas's only senior appearance for Yorkshire was in the three-day friendly fixture with Leeds-Bradford Universities at Headingley when he got off to a storming start with his new county by grabbing 6-20.

He has been turning in some good performances recently with the Second XI and on Monday he captured 4-34 in their exciting nine-run win over Durham Seconds in the one-day Trophy match at Stamford Bridge.

Director of cricket David Byas said: "I have received very encouraging reports about David's form from second team captain, Richard Blakey, and his fine bowling against Durham clinched it for him.

"It is a pressure game which is being televised and David has got that extra experience over some of the other contenders because of the first-class matches he played with Nottinghamshire."

Byas also considered giving a debut to Hull-based fast bowler Steven Patterson before giving the nod to Lucas.

"Steven has also taken a lot of wickets for the second team and is on the fringe of selection and his time will come," said Byas.

Yorkshire were forced to search hard for a replacement for Hoggard because John Blain is still with Scotland and Australian-born trialist paceman Adam Warren has now been released.

"Adam filled a gap for us and I have a high regard for his bowling, but with Blain soon back and Chris Silverwood and Lucas also fighting hard for places it was not felt there would be many more opportunities for him," said Byas.

"It was for these reasons that I reluctantly decided to let him go but I am sure he has enjoyed playing for us and has benefited from the experience."

Warren made his debut for Yorkshire in their last totesport League match against Leicestershire Foxes at Grace Road and he marked it with the wicket of Darren Maddy. He went on to play in two Twenty20 matches and bowled very well to claim four wickets in seven overs while conceding 70 runs.

Richard Dawson takes over the captaincy tonight in the absence of Craig White, who is suffering from a sore knee, but Ian Harvey returns after recovering from a jarred neck.

Yorkshire are seeking to complete the double over Surrey Lions, having beaten them by five wickets at the Oval in the opening match of the season.

Yorkshire v Surrey Lions: Wood, Harvey, Lumb, Jaques, McGrath, Pyrah, Dawood, Dawson, Bresnan, Kruis, Lucas.

Updated: 10:04 Wednesday, July 13, 2005