IT is going to be a bit strange this winter because I have spent the last five away from home either with England or playing in South Africa.

I missed out on the various tours this time so I'm not sure what I am going to do yet but my main priority will be to get myself fully fit.

There is one Yorkshire game left against Essex at Scarborough next week, but my chances of playing are slim as my muscle injury has still not healed properly.

The physiotherapists have told me that it will take time for the muscle to attach itself back to the rib.

As Yorkshire have already won the County Championship there is no point in rushing me back and taking an unnecessary risk.

To be honest, it's only me pushing to get back on the park as soon as possible, but rest looks to be the best cure.

The inactivity has given me plenty of time to think about who has impressed me the most in the Yorkshire camp this season.

Matthew Wood is a hot tip to get his county cap at Scarborough next week, but in my opinion he should have had it already.

He had a fine first season, was only average last summer, but has bounced back well this year and fully deserves his place on the Academy tour to Australia.

He thoroughly deserved to be chosen and is undoubtedly one of the best young batsmen in the country.

He'll be joined Down Under by Steve Kirby, who burst on to the scene this summer.

He has proved he is capable of playing first class cricket and could go on to an even higher level. The Australian trip will help him in that regard.

Often bowlers don't do as well in their second season as batsmen talk to each other after seeing a bowler's action and can work them out. 'Kirbs' should come back from Australia an even better bowler than he is already.

Richard Dawson has proved he is a quality off-spinner by getting selected for the main tour.

He is the best off-spinner in the country and is always thinking about the game. His cricket brain is always ticking over and I'm sure he will get lots of opportunities to bowl on spinners' wickets in India, although less so in New Zealand.

Top man Darren Lehmann has led from the front for Yorkshire - and not just with the sheer weight of his runs.

He is a great bloke to have in your side because he helps all the other players to develop their game. He has helped us to grow up a bit if you like and I think that has been an important factor in us winning the title.

We've won it for the first time in 33 years and that has set our benchmark. We've got to go on and win it again next season and possibly bring home one of the one-day titles.

Winning is a habit and we have got to keep that habit.

I'd just like to wish Craig White, Matthew Hoggard and Michael Vaughan and the rest of the lads on tour all the best of luck.

One man I thought was unlucky not to make any of the trips was Kent's David Fulton. He's scored a stack of runs and invariably does well against Yorkshire.

This will be my final column for the season, but I'm looking forward to the eight-page cricket special about our County Championship triumph which the Evening Press is producing on Monday, September 17.

It promises to be a great souvenir of the season and I know I'll be keeping mine.

Have a good winter.