DOM Bess, halfway through a four-game loan spell, has settled in quickly at Yorkshire, but he admits it feels strange to be challenging his permanent employers towards the top of Division One.

The 21-year-old two-time England Test off-spinner was struggling for game time with Somerset and had to look further afield for first-team cricket.

And the White Rose were quick on the uptake, bringing him to Emerald Headingley for a quartet of Championship fixtures against Kent, Hampshire, Essex and Surrey.

So far, Bess has taken four wickets in two games, the win at Kent and last week’s draw against Hampshire at Headingley. Anthony McGrath’s Essex visit the same venue from Monday.

“It’s actually come out really nicely, and I’ve been really consistent,” said Bess, behind Jack Leach in the pecking order at Somerset. “For me, it’s different being the number one spinner. My role here has been more about control. If I can pick up a couple of wickets, great.

“The move has definitely come at the right time for me.

“I’ve been struggling for game time, so I was very fortunate that Yorkshire said ‘Yes’. The balance of the side also gives me the opportunity to bat in that seven or eight role.”

“I think it’s been a really good move, and I’ve loved it so far.”

Bess is Jack Brooks’ new landlord in Taunton, but he only briefly sought his advice about the move: “You know the character he is, but as long as he keeps his room tidy I don’t mind!” he quipped. “He had only good things to say about Yorkshire.”

White Rose coach Andrew Gale describes Bess “as a perfect fit for us at this moment”.

“Josh (Poysden) has done well in one-day cricket, but for the balance of the team we need someone coming in at eight. Dom can. He also gives us control with the ball,” said Gale.

“I’ve been in touch with his agent for a while to see how things are going at Somerset because he wants to prove himself. He’s an England spinner and doesn’t want to be playing second-team cricket.”

Although seam has dominated Yorkshire’s last two matches, Bess was particularly impressive late on day four against Hampshire on Thursday as the hosts made a last gasp attempt for victory.

He returned 2-24 from 13 overs, including bowling Ian Holland through the gate with one which turned sharply out of the rough.

As things stand Bess is due to return to Taunton after Yorkshire’s clash with Surrey at Guildford through next week, but Gale does not hide from the fact that he would be keen to extend the deal - even make it permanent.

“I’d love to sign him, but we’ll just see,” he admitted.

Bess is understandably not thinking too much beyond the next fortnight.

“I’ve still got another year at Somerset after this, and a lot of things can happen quickly,” he added. “I’ll just see how it plays out.

“After these few games, Andy Hurry and Martyn Moxon (the two directors of cricket) will come together and discuss whether they want to extend it.

“My focus is to just do as well as I can for Yorkshire in this short time and keep pushing them right up to the top. I sounds quite strange for me to say, but we need to challenge (leaders) Somerset.”

While third-placed Yorkshire are unbeaten with two wins and two draws, Essex are fourth with two wins, a loss and a draw. The gap is four points between the two.

Yorks squad: Patterson c, Ballance, Bess, Brook, Coad, Fraine, Kohler-Cadmore, Leaning, Lyth, Olivier, Pillans, Tattersall w, Willey.