Andrew Gale believes Rich Pyrah could be Yorkshire’s next England Lions star.

Monday’s announcement that Joe Root will be part of an England second string squad to face Sri Lanka ‘A’ in a four-day match at Scarborough next week means he could be the ninth White Rose player to be involved at that level during the last two years.

Gale, York’s Jonny Bairstow, Adam Lyth, Joe Sayers, David Wainwright, Adil Rashid, Ajmal Shahzad and Tim Bresnan have all played for the Lions.

And the latter three have all made the leap to full international honours as well.

Now Gale, who has even skippered the Lions, feels that all-rounder Pyrah is good enough to make it a perfect ten for the White Rose county.

Pyrah, a journeyman county professional since making his debut in 2001, looked to have missed the boat due to a failure to make the most of his potential and find the consistency needed to turn heads.

But, thanks to an excellent summer, the chance for higher honours may not yet have passed him by at the age of 28.

Widely seen as a one-day specialist prior to this season, Pyrah emerged from the shadows of best mate Bresnan to shine with both bat and ball in the LV= County Championship.

A personal honours board of the summer includes a maiden Championship century, a maiden Championship five-wicket haul and Yorkshire’s first ever five-wicket bag in the Twenty20 competition.

His current total of 24 wickets is more than he has ever taken in a Championship season before, while he is also close to a career-high run tally.

And Gale, who saw Pyrah score 117 against Lancashire last week, said: “I don’t know what the Lions have got on this winter. But, if there’s a one-day or Twenty20 series, he could get a sniff.

“If he improves his batting and makes himself into a good death hitter, he’s definitely got a chance.

“He’s performed really well with both bat and ball this year. I think he can take a lot from that knock, kick on and be a lot more consistent with the bat.

“We’ve always been a little bit disappointed that he’s not been quite as consistent as he should be. He’s definitely not a number ten or 11. He’s worthy of being a number seven or eight.

“I think he’s put a yard of pace on with the ball. He’s just hitting areas more consistently. He’s always been a decent bowler, but has never quite fulfilled his potential. He’s got his opportunity this year and grabbed it with both hands.”

Yorkshire face Sussex in the Clydesdale Bank 40 at Hove under the floodlights and in front of the television cameras tonight.

Ton up Mags in form

ANTHONY McGrath led the way with a century for Yorkshire seconds in their Roses clash with Lancashire at Stamford Bridge Cricket Club.

Veteran McGrath top-scored with 122 as the Tykes were bowled out for 316 on day one of the three-day fixture at Low Catton Road.

Alex Lees scored 53 and Joe Root hit 45, while Lancashire’s Oliver Newby took 5-71.

The Red Rose visitors, who won the County Championship game between the sides at the weekend, closed on 30-2.