YORKSHIRE CCC's quest for honours may be boosted by a dash of Aussie pace.
Australian-born fast bowler Adam Warren was included in the squad to play for Yorkshire in their three-day match against MCC Leeds-Bradford Universities' Centre of Excellence which was due to start at Headingley today.
Warren, who is currently playing league cricket in Liverpool, is one of two Australian quick bowlers that are undergoing trials with Yorkshire and are qualified to play for the county.
The other is Mitchell Claydon, who is reported to be very nippy indeed, and he is due to turn out for the Yorkshire Academy against the Durham Academy in a one-day match at Longhurst Hall tomorrow.
Claydon played in the recent second team friendly against a combined Kent and Middlesex XI at Clifton Park, last week.
Yorkshire's director of cricket, David Byas, said: "Both of these players are known by our Australian batsman Phil Jaques and one or both of them could have a future with us if they prove to be successful."
Several members of Yorkshire's playing staff who have not previously managed a first team game this season had the chance of an outing today, although heavy rain looked like preventing play starting on time.
Among those pencilled in for a taste of the action were opening batsmen Joe Sayers and Chris Taylor, and fast bowler, David Lucas, signed during the winter from Nottinghamshire.
There were also places in the squad for two senior first team members in Michael Lumb and Chris Silverwood. Lumb has yet to make a big score and needs time in the middle and Silverwood is still working his way back to full pace after last year's ankle operation.
York's Easingwold-based paceman, Nick Thornicroft, who played with Claydon in the second team friendly at Clifton Park last week, was also included in Yorkshire's squad.
"This is a strong team which we will be putting out and everyone in it, apart from Adam Warren, has played Championship cricket," said Byas. "We will certainly be doing the Universities no favours and the game gives several of our younger players the opportunity to make runs or take wickets and show us what they are capable of doing."
Bradford-Leeds UCCE, who beat Surrey by four wickets at The Oval in April, will be without York leg spinner Tom Pringle, who is nursing a broken thumb.
Yorkshire's senior players are taking a break from action ahead of their big Championship clash with Roses rivals Lancashire at Headingley which starts next Wednesday.
Yorkshire (v MCC Leeds-Bradford Universities) from: Sayers, Taylor, Gale, Lumb, Pyrah, Guy, Lawson, Lucas, Blain, Thornicroft, Silverwood, Warren, Blakey.
Updated: 10:36 Wednesday, June 01, 2005
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article