SHEER weight of runs has won Richard Lumb his Championship place back in Yorkshire's match against Somerset which begins at Taunton tomorrow.

The left-hander has beaten off strong competition from Richard Pyrah and Chris Taylor to replace Ian Harvey, who is still recovering from a broken right thumb.

Lumb has missed the last three Championship matches after making way for Joe Sayers in the game against Worcestershire at New Road.

Although looking good up to that point, he had managed nothing higher than his 68 in the Roses match at Headingley and director of cricket David Byas told him to make some big scores below Championship level.

Lumb responded with 130 for the Second XI in their three-day match with Surrey Seconds and then he hit an unbeaten 102 for Yorkshire in their first class encounter with Bangladesh 'A' at Headingley.

In addition to those runs, Lumb has been Yorkshire Phoenix's most consistent scorer in the totesport League and he is their leading run maker with 380 at an average of 42.22.

"I am delighted that Michael has gone and done what I asked of him and he deserves to get his recall," said Byas. "A month ago, his season looked to be a disappointing one but now that he has struck form there is every chance that it will turn out to be quite successful.

"He is certainly capable of knocking up two or three centuries, starting at Taunton, and that will do Yorkshire and himself a power of good."

Pressure for one of the three promotion spots is stronger than ever this season and Essex's win over leaders Durham last week has pushed Yorkshire down into fourth place.

But their situation is still healthy as they have two games in hand over Durham and Essex and one over Lancashire, whom they visit next week in what should be a fascinating Roses clash.

Yorkshire are the only unbeaten side in either division of the Championship and they will be seeking the double over Somerset after overpowering them by an innings and 44 runs at Headingley in the opening match of the season.

Included in Yorkshire's squad is left-arm slow bowler David Wainwright but he is expected to play only if the Taunton track looks as if it will take a lot of spin.

Yorkshire from: Wood, Sayers, McGrath, Jaques, Lumb, White, Dawood, Dawson, Bresnan, Silverwood, Kruis, Wainwright.

Updated: 09:50 Tuesday, August 09, 2005