Yorkshire breathed a sigh of relief after they were able to include Chris Silverwood in their side for tomorrow's three-day match against Bradford-Leeds Universities' Centre of Excellence which marks the start of the county club's new season.

Spectators are being allowed into Headingley free and those who attend will have an early opportunity to see how well work is progressing on the new east stand which will include the members' long room.

With Darren Gough (knee) and Craig White (groin) both out injured and Matthew Hoggard forbidden by England from playing in the game, Yorkshire needed Silverwood to sharpen their attack but he, also, has been struggling for the past week with a bruised knee.

The fast bowler had a hospital check-up on Wednesday which showed no serious damage and he pronounced himself fit after a short spell in the nets.

Yorkshire know that with Gough, Hoggard and White all likely to be missing on England duty for much of the season they will need Silverwood to be at his sharpest if they are to make a serious attempt at retaining the County Championship.

Silverwood remains one of Yorkshire's most destructive bowlers when on top form and at 27 he is still capable of winning back his England place with a string of good performances at county level.

Yorkshire: Wood, Richardson, Lumb, Taylor, Fellows, Hamilton, Blakey, Dawson, Silverwood, Sidebottom, Kirby.

Updated: 11:49 Friday, April 19, 2002