One of Yorkshire's recognised weaknesses just before the start of this season was that they knew they would have to launch the campaign without a top quality all-rounder in the side.

But director of cricket Geoff Cope was optimistic that either one or both of the two players on the staff whom he thought fitted that bill would soon be back in the team and making a substantial contribution.

The two he had in mind were Craig White and Gavin Hamilton, both of whom are capable of turning a match with either bat or ball, but now mid-season has arrived and neither look as if they are going to be able to fill their intended roles.

Cricket turned into a nightmare for Hamilton early last summer when he completely lost his confidence with the ball, which led to him being dropped from the first team while he tried to remedy the situation.

After playing for the Second XI purely as a batsman and seeking psychological help, Hamilton went to South Africa during the winter where he played club cricket and was coached by former Yorkshire batsman, Richard Lumb, father of Michael.

He returned home in a happier frame of mind and the expectation all round was that Hamilton would build up his form in early second team games and soon be knocking down stumps and scoring runs in the senior ranks.

It did not quite work out like that, however, because Hamilton's problems resurfaced and he was unable to return to first team cricket in the way that was planned.

He was brought in for the three-day game against Bradford-Leeds Universities' Centre of Excellence at Park Avenue and hit a thrilling 143 not out but he could not bowl and the same situation occurred when he was included in three Twenty20 Cup matches.

Now Hamilton has disappeared from the senior squad again and his days with Yorkshire are beginning to appear numbered. As an all-rounder, Hamilton can be a dynamic force but one questions whether he is worth a regular place playing solely as a batsman.

England all-rounder, White, of course, could hold his place in any side on his batting ability alone and it would seem the time has now come for him to jack his bowling in.

After doubling up in agony with further rib problems on Sunday while bowling against Surrey in the National League match at The Oval, White said he would not be turning his arm over again for at least two or three weeks.

"At the end of the season, I will think things over carefully and decide whether I should ever bowl again," he added.

But would Yorkshire automatically give White a fresh contract in the changed circumstances?

As an all-rounder he has two significant roles to play but are Yorkshire going to get full value out of him if he plays just as a batsman?

White will be 34 next season and Yorkshire will have to ponder whether it is worth holding on to an England class player of uncertain fitness at the possible expense of a couple of younger cricketers who are still on their way up.

Whatever happens to Hamilton and White, the fact remains that neither of them are in the roles that Yorkshire envisaged for them in mid-April.

Updated: 12:08 Saturday, July 12, 2003