By Richard Watts
April 16 2007

The season is finally upon us and I believe Yorkshire should be set for their best season since they won the County Championship in 2001. Who would have thought that was a statement that could be made with any confidence back in December when... - There was no coach in place.
- There was no captain in place.
- Numbers 3, 4 and 5 in last season batting order had either gone in respect of Lehmann and Lumb and was set to leave in respect of McGrath
- Chris Adams had walked away from a captaincy/coaching roll.

How times have changed since then:

- Darren Gough’s appointment as captain appears to be an inspired choice.
- In Martyn Moxon Yorkshire have regained a high class coach.
- Anthony McGrath has made a dramatic U turn and decided to stay.
- Jacques Rudolph has arrived and on top of Younus Khan’s arrival numbers 3, 4 and 5 look stronger than last season.

To me Yorkshire look to have a strong squad, capable of at least a top four finish in the Championship and a major impact in One Day Cricket.

At the top of the order Craig White has become a reliable, established opener. Joe Sayers has considerable potential and showed last season that he is on his way to fulfilling that potential. Matthew Wood had a poor season last year but he has always bounced back well in the past and he finished last season strongly in the Second X1. He has undoubted ability and can do well again. Rudolph has done the job as an opener successfully in domestic Cricket in South Africa.

The middle order has a solid look about it. Younus is without doubt one of Test Cricket’s leading number three’s and he has the ability to replace the terrific Darren Lehmann. McGrath was outstanding last season and hopefully will produce more of the same, as ever his medium pace bowling is going to be useful. Rudolph has a proven test record and I believe is a better player that Lumb who he will replace. Things look good in reserve. Andrew Gale’s maiden ton at Scarborough showed how talented he is and I expect him to push strongly for a place. Adam Lyth has had a very good Winter with England Under 19’s and is clearly a player of considerable promise. What an impression the left hander Chris Allison made last season. If he continues to develop he could be some player.

Gough’s experience as a bowler is going to be vital and his place in the quick bowling department suddenly gives it a much stronger edge. Gillespie had a good season in Australia over the Winter and surely he will step up on his disappointing first season. Bresnan seems to have been around for years and is a more than useful performer, reflected by the fact that he appears to be very much in the thoughts of the England selectors. His batting continues to improve and he could well become a genuine allrounder. Kruis has bowled consistently well for Yorkshire and more of the same is expected. Hopefully Hoggard will get a few games when not required by England, his record speaks for itself. With the likes of Lee, Patterson and Shahzad in reserve there is a good look about Yorkshire’s pace bowling.

The spin department is even more exciting. Rashid’s and Lawson’s efforts last season have been well documented. If they can continue to improve they are going to be match winners for Yorkshire, both know how to use a bat and can make telling contributions. Left armer Wainwright should not be forgotten. He has done well in the Seconds and I can see him making an impact in One Day Cricket.

In the keeping department Brophy has the potential to be a genuine allrounder, I believe he is capable of far better than he showed last season. Guy kept well when given his chance last year but for me the most exciting talent is Greg Wood. He has impressed good judges with his keeping and is highly thought of as a batsman. Hopefully he will be pushing for a first team place towards the end of the season.

I think Darren Gough’s enthusiasm will have a major effect on the side. This is a great time to be a Yorkshire fan, I can’t wait for the season to start.