After Yorkshire's perfect start to the season the injury curse has struck.
Yorkshire's season was always going to depend on the fitness of it's ageing and injury prone pace attack. For the opener against Surrey the team was fit to bursting at the seams with bowling talent. Deon Kruis, the leading wicket taker the past two seasons was 12th man such was the depth of the bowling.
However a week on and the situation is looking much gloomier. Kruis took 3 wickets in the first one-day match of the year against Nottinghamshire, but left the field with a pulled hamstring ruling him out for over a month. The second paceman to fall victim was Aussie star Gillespie who hit his maiden county century at the Oval. Combined with Anthony McGrath's virus, the line up to face Durham today now takes a on greenish hue.
But as in nature when old forest tress fall it provides space for young saplings to grow and fill the void. Hopefully McGrath's replacement, Andrew Gale will take the opportunity and lay down roots in the thick jungle that is Yorkshire's batting department. When Michael Vaughan returns to the county there could be scant opportunities for Yorkshire's young batsmen in the four day game.
Not so in the bowling. Gillespie's replacement today is Ajmal Shazhad. It is these opportunities the younger players must grasp with both hands. With Kruis sidelined there could also be room for Patterson or Thornicroft to step up in the coming weeks.
However with youth there is hope. The one day games will be where most of the younger players will cut their teeth this season. Chris Gilbert and Richard Pyrah both contributed to the win over Notts and have been in sparkling form for the second XI.
2007 was always going to be a year of transition but it seems the process will have to happen sooner rather than later if Yorkshire are to compete.
Wednesday 25 April 2007
Monday 23 April 2007
An all round performance
With the news that England are sending Michael Vaughan back to Yorkshire ahead of the West Indies test matches the White Rose is looking almost spherical such is the all round nature of it's players.
The England captain will replace opener Joe Sayers.
The team now consists of:
Craig White (Right hand bat/off break/medium pace bowler) - At his peak the best all rounder in England. In his twilight years his bowling has taken a back seat due to a recurring knee injury however he has made himself available to bowl spin in the 2007 season. 395 first class wickets at 28 with best figures of 8/55 show his bowling class.
Michael Vaughan (Right hand bat/off break bowler) - Underused as a bowler, in part because of his own captaincy, his off break bowling has been the test match downfall of the mighty Sachin Tendulkar. In England's final match of the 2007 World Cup Vaughan was the only bowler to bowl 10 overs and returned match best figures of 3/39. He also scored a stylish 79 off only 68 balls.
Anthony McGrath (Right hand bat/medium pace bowler) - Yorkshire's second highest run scorer in 2006 has been a consistent performer with the ball in previous years. A useful partnership breaker McGrath reached the England side due to his useful medium pace bowling and formidable batting. He has 95 first class wickets at 34 giving up only 3.08 runs an over.
Younus Khan (Right hand bat/leg break bowler) - The test double centurion was not known to Yorkshire fans as a bowler but has already shown he has some ability with the ball. Bowling in tandem with Adil Rashid he turned his arm over for 9 overs against Surrey in the 2007 season opener. He has 16 domestic one day wickets at an average of 24.
Jacques Rudolph (Left hand bat/leg break bowler) - Another test double centurion Rudolph has 45 first class wickets at 41. His best figures of 5/87 suggest on his day he can be a useful leg spinner.
Adil Rashid (Right hand bat/leg break bowler) - Rashid could be the best all-rounder of his generation. Already Yorkshire's best spinner for a decade he has centuries for England under-19 and opened for the Yorkshire academy and 2nd XI.
Tim Bresnan (Right hand bat/medium fast bowler) - The 22 year old hit his first century for Yorkshire against Surrey and is now half of Yorkshire's highest ever 9th wicket partnership; 290. A first change bowler with 111 first class wickets at 32. Will struggle to get the new ball ahead of Gough, Hoggard, Gillespie and Kruis but has time on his side.
Darren Gough (Right hand bat/fast medium bowler) - The Dazzler has spent years ripping out the best opening batsmen across the globe with his vicious in-swinging yorkers. 229 test wickets at 28, 235 ODI wickets at 26 and a 815 first class wickets at 27 mark him out as one of the finest bowlers of his generation. A belligerent, counter attacking lower order batsmen he has 19 first class half centuries and a highest score 121.
Jason Gillespie (Right hand bat/fast bowler) - Yorkshire's 3rd test double centurion has now added 123 not out in Yorkshire's 2007 season opener against Surrey. Gillespie is also Australia's 5th most prolific test wicket taker. Opening the bowling as well as offering rearguard batting support Gillespie will play a key role in both forms of the game.
Matthew Hoggard (Right hand bat/fast medium bowler) - The 5th ranked bowler in world cricket Hoggard will lead the attack for the first part of the summer as he prepares to do battle with the West Indian batsman. A compulsive blocker of a batsman, Hoggard has an unbeaten first class 89 to his name and is England's regular nightwatchman.
Of the young prospects hoping for some first team action this year all rounders Chris Gilbert and Richard Pyrah have both shown promising early season form.
Darren Gough will certainly have options in the bowling department which will come in handy on long hot days in the field. The bowling support will allow Yorkshire's strike bowlers more of a rest and keep starlet Rashid from being over bowled.
The long batting tail will no doubt produce a greater haul of bonus points and prevent the collapses which have been Yorkshire's downfall in previous years.
The England captain will replace opener Joe Sayers.
The team now consists of:
Craig White (Right hand bat/off break/medium pace bowler) - At his peak the best all rounder in England. In his twilight years his bowling has taken a back seat due to a recurring knee injury however he has made himself available to bowl spin in the 2007 season. 395 first class wickets at 28 with best figures of 8/55 show his bowling class.
Michael Vaughan (Right hand bat/off break bowler) - Underused as a bowler, in part because of his own captaincy, his off break bowling has been the test match downfall of the mighty Sachin Tendulkar. In England's final match of the 2007 World Cup Vaughan was the only bowler to bowl 10 overs and returned match best figures of 3/39. He also scored a stylish 79 off only 68 balls.
Anthony McGrath (Right hand bat/medium pace bowler) - Yorkshire's second highest run scorer in 2006 has been a consistent performer with the ball in previous years. A useful partnership breaker McGrath reached the England side due to his useful medium pace bowling and formidable batting. He has 95 first class wickets at 34 giving up only 3.08 runs an over.
Younus Khan (Right hand bat/leg break bowler) - The test double centurion was not known to Yorkshire fans as a bowler but has already shown he has some ability with the ball. Bowling in tandem with Adil Rashid he turned his arm over for 9 overs against Surrey in the 2007 season opener. He has 16 domestic one day wickets at an average of 24.
Jacques Rudolph (Left hand bat/leg break bowler) - Another test double centurion Rudolph has 45 first class wickets at 41. His best figures of 5/87 suggest on his day he can be a useful leg spinner.
Adil Rashid (Right hand bat/leg break bowler) - Rashid could be the best all-rounder of his generation. Already Yorkshire's best spinner for a decade he has centuries for England under-19 and opened for the Yorkshire academy and 2nd XI.
Tim Bresnan (Right hand bat/medium fast bowler) - The 22 year old hit his first century for Yorkshire against Surrey and is now half of Yorkshire's highest ever 9th wicket partnership; 290. A first change bowler with 111 first class wickets at 32. Will struggle to get the new ball ahead of Gough, Hoggard, Gillespie and Kruis but has time on his side.
Darren Gough (Right hand bat/fast medium bowler) - The Dazzler has spent years ripping out the best opening batsmen across the globe with his vicious in-swinging yorkers. 229 test wickets at 28, 235 ODI wickets at 26 and a 815 first class wickets at 27 mark him out as one of the finest bowlers of his generation. A belligerent, counter attacking lower order batsmen he has 19 first class half centuries and a highest score 121.
Jason Gillespie (Right hand bat/fast bowler) - Yorkshire's 3rd test double centurion has now added 123 not out in Yorkshire's 2007 season opener against Surrey. Gillespie is also Australia's 5th most prolific test wicket taker. Opening the bowling as well as offering rearguard batting support Gillespie will play a key role in both forms of the game.
Matthew Hoggard (Right hand bat/fast medium bowler) - The 5th ranked bowler in world cricket Hoggard will lead the attack for the first part of the summer as he prepares to do battle with the West Indian batsman. A compulsive blocker of a batsman, Hoggard has an unbeaten first class 89 to his name and is England's regular nightwatchman.
Of the young prospects hoping for some first team action this year all rounders Chris Gilbert and Richard Pyrah have both shown promising early season form.
Darren Gough will certainly have options in the bowling department which will come in handy on long hot days in the field. The bowling support will allow Yorkshire's strike bowlers more of a rest and keep starlet Rashid from being over bowled.
The long batting tail will no doubt produce a greater haul of bonus points and prevent the collapses which have been Yorkshire's downfall in previous years.
Sunday 22 April 2007
A team effort
Yorkshire started their 2007 season with a stunning 346 run triumph over newly promoted Surrey. What will have given great pleasure to Martyn Moxon and Darren Gough, apart from a maximum haul of 22 points, is the contributions from nearly every player:
Craig White - Last year's captain hit a lead building 131 ball 117. White's century put the game truly beyond Surrey, setting the foundation for a 500 run lead. He also took the vital catch of opener Jonathan Batty off the last ball of the 3rd day.
Joe Sayers - A patient second innings 57 contributed to a 163 run opening partnership.
Jacques Rudolph - Came in at 73/4 and steered Yorkshire from the brink of collapse towards a commanding lead with his stylish 122.
Gerard Brophy - The wicketkeeper took 6 catches and stumped nightwatchman Doshi. He certainly seemed to read leg spinner Adil Rashid better than the Surrey batsmen.
Adil Rashid - A first innings 86 combined with seven wickets in the match showed his all round potential. Set up the victory at the end of the second day by reducing Surrey from 221/1 to 237/5 and finished off the match by mopping up the tail on the last day.
Tim Bresnan - His first ever century built Yorkshire's first innings into a mammoth 594. Shared a Yorkshire record 246 9th wicket partnership with Jason Gillespie. Despite not getting any wickets another player who has all-rounder capabilities.
Darren Gough - The new captain took 6 wickets and hit 23 off 26 in the first innings to see off the second new ball and regain the momentum after Rudolph's dismissal. Took the vital wicket of Mark Ramprakash for 5 on the last day to trigger the Surrey collapse.
Jason Gillespie - Despite having an unbeaten test double century to his name not known for his batting. His 123 not out suggests Yorkshire have a new lower order general around which to build rearguard batting. Underused in the bowling department but dismissed the dangerous Ramrakash in the first innings.
Matthew Hoggard - Proved his Yorkshire doubters wrong by taking 6 wickets in the match. Ripped the heart out of Surrey's second innings resistance with 4 consecutive dismissals to expose the tail.
Anthony McGrath - Despite a couple of slip catches McGrath was one of only two Yorkshire players not to contribute much with bat or ball. In the second innings got out unselfishly trying to accelerate the scoring.
Younus Khan - After hitting his first delivery for Yorkshire to the boundary he was out to a great 4th ball and perished 2nd innings trying to add quick runs. Bowled 9 overs of spin which could be useful as the pitches dry out later in the summer.
Craig White - Last year's captain hit a lead building 131 ball 117. White's century put the game truly beyond Surrey, setting the foundation for a 500 run lead. He also took the vital catch of opener Jonathan Batty off the last ball of the 3rd day.
Joe Sayers - A patient second innings 57 contributed to a 163 run opening partnership.
Jacques Rudolph - Came in at 73/4 and steered Yorkshire from the brink of collapse towards a commanding lead with his stylish 122.
Gerard Brophy - The wicketkeeper took 6 catches and stumped nightwatchman Doshi. He certainly seemed to read leg spinner Adil Rashid better than the Surrey batsmen.
Adil Rashid - A first innings 86 combined with seven wickets in the match showed his all round potential. Set up the victory at the end of the second day by reducing Surrey from 221/1 to 237/5 and finished off the match by mopping up the tail on the last day.
Tim Bresnan - His first ever century built Yorkshire's first innings into a mammoth 594. Shared a Yorkshire record 246 9th wicket partnership with Jason Gillespie. Despite not getting any wickets another player who has all-rounder capabilities.
Darren Gough - The new captain took 6 wickets and hit 23 off 26 in the first innings to see off the second new ball and regain the momentum after Rudolph's dismissal. Took the vital wicket of Mark Ramprakash for 5 on the last day to trigger the Surrey collapse.
Jason Gillespie - Despite having an unbeaten test double century to his name not known for his batting. His 123 not out suggests Yorkshire have a new lower order general around which to build rearguard batting. Underused in the bowling department but dismissed the dangerous Ramrakash in the first innings.
Matthew Hoggard - Proved his Yorkshire doubters wrong by taking 6 wickets in the match. Ripped the heart out of Surrey's second innings resistance with 4 consecutive dismissals to expose the tail.
Anthony McGrath - Despite a couple of slip catches McGrath was one of only two Yorkshire players not to contribute much with bat or ball. In the second innings got out unselfishly trying to accelerate the scoring.
Younus Khan - After hitting his first delivery for Yorkshire to the boundary he was out to a great 4th ball and perished 2nd innings trying to add quick runs. Bowled 9 overs of spin which could be useful as the pitches dry out later in the summer.
Friday 20 April 2007
Adil Rashid or Mal Loye?
As I write Yorkshire are hopefully edging their way to victory in the opening match against Surrey. The White Rose have a chance of maximum points because of Adil Rashid who skittled 4 batsmen out at the end of the second day. The Oval pitch had offered nothing for the bowlers and given up 425 runs and only two wickets on day two before the young leg spinner struck. When added to his 86 runs in the first innings Rashid has started the season in style.
However this blistering start combined with England's woeful demise suggests this year will see an international debut for the young leggie. If he then performs for England, Yorkshire may never really enjoy the benefit of producing one of the country's most exciting all rounders. A shame indeed considering how counties are encouraged to bring through young English cricketers.
Counties really need to produce players like Mal Loye. The Lancashire batsman has a first class average of 41 and has played over 200 times for his county. A cracking domestic player but not deemed good enough to make the step up to international level. Producing great players results in them being whisked off by England, not good enough and they're of no use. The Mal Loye level is just right.
Therefore one can understand Surrey signing the likes of Mark Ramprakash and Jimmy Ormond and Lancashire snapping up Dominic Cork, Luke Sutton and the English qualified Stuart Law. These players are free from international commitments and produce on a consistent basis on the county circuit. Ageing English pro's also avoid the financial penalties imposed by the ECB yet offer nothing to the national side. With the restrictions on overseas players kicking in next season these older players and new British residents such as Law and Ian Harvey will be in great demand.
Clearly the best players should play for England, yet counties must be able to have greater access to their best products. Otherwise the Kolpak culture will flourish and academies will become financially inefficient. Hopefully with the fall of the Fletcher regime the policy of 'resting' England players will be reexamined. The current England team are out of form and seemed to have suffered from being starved regular county cricket. If England's finest players were encouraged to play county cricket then not only might they be kept on their toes, but the county championship would receive a shot in the arm boosting interest, attendances and coffers. A rejuvenated domestic game would obviously have a positive affect on the national team.
For Yorkshire to bowl out Surrey on the final day tomorrow Adil Rashid will have to produce another of his excellent bowling performances. But for Yorkshire fans it will be a bittersweet experience. With every wicket he takes the closer he will be to the start of his England career.
However this blistering start combined with England's woeful demise suggests this year will see an international debut for the young leggie. If he then performs for England, Yorkshire may never really enjoy the benefit of producing one of the country's most exciting all rounders. A shame indeed considering how counties are encouraged to bring through young English cricketers.
Counties really need to produce players like Mal Loye. The Lancashire batsman has a first class average of 41 and has played over 200 times for his county. A cracking domestic player but not deemed good enough to make the step up to international level. Producing great players results in them being whisked off by England, not good enough and they're of no use. The Mal Loye level is just right.
Therefore one can understand Surrey signing the likes of Mark Ramprakash and Jimmy Ormond and Lancashire snapping up Dominic Cork, Luke Sutton and the English qualified Stuart Law. These players are free from international commitments and produce on a consistent basis on the county circuit. Ageing English pro's also avoid the financial penalties imposed by the ECB yet offer nothing to the national side. With the restrictions on overseas players kicking in next season these older players and new British residents such as Law and Ian Harvey will be in great demand.
Clearly the best players should play for England, yet counties must be able to have greater access to their best products. Otherwise the Kolpak culture will flourish and academies will become financially inefficient. Hopefully with the fall of the Fletcher regime the policy of 'resting' England players will be reexamined. The current England team are out of form and seemed to have suffered from being starved regular county cricket. If England's finest players were encouraged to play county cricket then not only might they be kept on their toes, but the county championship would receive a shot in the arm boosting interest, attendances and coffers. A rejuvenated domestic game would obviously have a positive affect on the national team.
For Yorkshire to bowl out Surrey on the final day tomorrow Adil Rashid will have to produce another of his excellent bowling performances. But for Yorkshire fans it will be a bittersweet experience. With every wicket he takes the closer he will be to the start of his England career.
Thursday 19 April 2007
2007 Preview - A Year of Transition
After emerging unscathed from the winter months a renewed sense of optimism has filled Headingly Carnegie. Yet despite having the backroom staff in place, a new look batting lineup and Darren Gough back to lead the attack there are still many questions to be answered.
The first is whether Gough and his fellow seamers can perform at a high level whilst remaining free of injury. Yorkshire have four fast bowlers north of 30, of which three have had injury blighted histories - Gillespie, Gough and Kruis. Tim Bresnan is still young and there is a paddock of youthful quicks in the 2nd XI, but should Gough, 36, Kruis, 32, Gillespie, 32 and Hoggard, 30, break down the pace attack could rapidly become inexperienced.
Despite plugging the holes left in the batting lineup, neither Younus Khan nor Jacques Rudolph have played a full season of county cricket. English conditions may take a while to get used to and who knows what effect the World Cup will have had upon the Pakistani vice captain. Not only was Bob Woolmer's death a blow to the 29 year old right hander, he also didn't perform with the bat and was vilified on returning to his cricket-mad home country. However both Rudolph and Younus are of high calibre and the predicted hot summer may suit them.
The opening partnership was a big problem for Yorkshire last season. Craig White had a variety of partners with Joe Sayers eventually edging out Matthew Wood. However Yorkshire did not start innings' well and rarely did both batsmen survive the new ball. The middle order was where most of the runs came from, and it is this which has been largely replaced. White and Sayers will both open this season's first fixture at the Oval and it is hoped a Craig White, free of the burden of captaincy, will prove a more consistent opener. Joe Sayers is developing and has potential but needs to turn this into runs. Should he fail Matthew Wood will be waiting in the wings.
The wicket keeping position has been a difficult one for Yorkshire in the past few years. Simon Guy made his county debut in 2000 but has failed to keep the gloves on a consistent basis. The other 'keeper, South African born, Gerard Brophy was brought in as a wicket-keeper batsmen but never got going with the bat in 2006 and was dropped to the seconds. Despite a 97 against Warwickshire in 2006 he averages only 15. However he did show promise as an opener in the limited overs game. Pinch hitting in a twenty20 match he made the fastest ever half century in the competition; his 57 coming off 18 balls. Brophy will start the season behind the stumps but if neither him nor Guy makes the position their own this must be an area Martyn Moxon and Darren Gough address for 2008.
And what of young Adil Rashid? The spinning all rounder who bowled Yorkshire to safety, along with fellow leggie Mark Lawson, suffered a spinal stress fracture during the winter and has remodelled his action. The worry is what affect this body-saving action will have on his bowling. Despite some good scores for England under-19 Rashid did not impress with the bat in the 5 matches he has played for Yorkshire averaging only 19. He clearly has the ability and developing his batsmanship will be important for him if he is to become the all rounder Yorkshire, and England, so desperately require.
The ageing nature of Yorkshire's squad and newly appointed leadership suggest this will be a season of transition. Kruis, Gillespie, White and Gough may all be in their last season for Yorkshire, especially if they are struck by injury. Martyn Moxon has only had a few weeks to get to grips with his new charges and will be getting to know his squad throughout the season. There is talent in the 2nd's but much of it is raw and unlikely to be ready for full involvement this season. Batsmen Andrew Gale and Adam Lyth, bowlers Ajmal Shazhad, Nick Thornicroft and Steve Patterson, gloveman Greg Wood and all rounder Chris Gilbert have shown signs they could have futures in county cricket. Moxon and Gough's job will be to ensure these young players reach their potential and don't join the exodus of players now plying their trade at rival counties.
On paper Yorkshire have a team ready to compete with the best in the division. The White Rose faithful will be hoping they fulfill this potential on the pitch.
The first is whether Gough and his fellow seamers can perform at a high level whilst remaining free of injury. Yorkshire have four fast bowlers north of 30, of which three have had injury blighted histories - Gillespie, Gough and Kruis. Tim Bresnan is still young and there is a paddock of youthful quicks in the 2nd XI, but should Gough, 36, Kruis, 32, Gillespie, 32 and Hoggard, 30, break down the pace attack could rapidly become inexperienced.
Despite plugging the holes left in the batting lineup, neither Younus Khan nor Jacques Rudolph have played a full season of county cricket. English conditions may take a while to get used to and who knows what effect the World Cup will have had upon the Pakistani vice captain. Not only was Bob Woolmer's death a blow to the 29 year old right hander, he also didn't perform with the bat and was vilified on returning to his cricket-mad home country. However both Rudolph and Younus are of high calibre and the predicted hot summer may suit them.
The opening partnership was a big problem for Yorkshire last season. Craig White had a variety of partners with Joe Sayers eventually edging out Matthew Wood. However Yorkshire did not start innings' well and rarely did both batsmen survive the new ball. The middle order was where most of the runs came from, and it is this which has been largely replaced. White and Sayers will both open this season's first fixture at the Oval and it is hoped a Craig White, free of the burden of captaincy, will prove a more consistent opener. Joe Sayers is developing and has potential but needs to turn this into runs. Should he fail Matthew Wood will be waiting in the wings.
The wicket keeping position has been a difficult one for Yorkshire in the past few years. Simon Guy made his county debut in 2000 but has failed to keep the gloves on a consistent basis. The other 'keeper, South African born, Gerard Brophy was brought in as a wicket-keeper batsmen but never got going with the bat in 2006 and was dropped to the seconds. Despite a 97 against Warwickshire in 2006 he averages only 15. However he did show promise as an opener in the limited overs game. Pinch hitting in a twenty20 match he made the fastest ever half century in the competition; his 57 coming off 18 balls. Brophy will start the season behind the stumps but if neither him nor Guy makes the position their own this must be an area Martyn Moxon and Darren Gough address for 2008.
And what of young Adil Rashid? The spinning all rounder who bowled Yorkshire to safety, along with fellow leggie Mark Lawson, suffered a spinal stress fracture during the winter and has remodelled his action. The worry is what affect this body-saving action will have on his bowling. Despite some good scores for England under-19 Rashid did not impress with the bat in the 5 matches he has played for Yorkshire averaging only 19. He clearly has the ability and developing his batsmanship will be important for him if he is to become the all rounder Yorkshire, and England, so desperately require.
The ageing nature of Yorkshire's squad and newly appointed leadership suggest this will be a season of transition. Kruis, Gillespie, White and Gough may all be in their last season for Yorkshire, especially if they are struck by injury. Martyn Moxon has only had a few weeks to get to grips with his new charges and will be getting to know his squad throughout the season. There is talent in the 2nd's but much of it is raw and unlikely to be ready for full involvement this season. Batsmen Andrew Gale and Adam Lyth, bowlers Ajmal Shazhad, Nick Thornicroft and Steve Patterson, gloveman Greg Wood and all rounder Chris Gilbert have shown signs they could have futures in county cricket. Moxon and Gough's job will be to ensure these young players reach their potential and don't join the exodus of players now plying their trade at rival counties.
On paper Yorkshire have a team ready to compete with the best in the division. The White Rose faithful will be hoping they fulfill this potential on the pitch.
Sunday 15 April 2007
2006/07 Review - A Long Winter
A tense conclusion to the 2006 campaign saw Yorkshire narrowly escape relegation in their first full season back in Division One. Too often the side had to rely on Aussie legend Darren Lehmann and former captain Anthony McGrath to bat them out of trouble. First innings totals were poor and Yorkshire missed out on valuable bonus points saving their best batting for the second innings.
The pace bowling was hindered by injuries to young all rounder Tim Bresnan and leading wicket taker Deon Kruis. New overseas player Jason Gillespie disappointed with a relatively meagre haul of wickets leaving much of the work to be done by 'spin twins' Adil Rashid and Mark Lawson.
Only recently out of the 2nd XI the two young leg spinners made the most of some dry late summer pitches to bowl Yorkshire to safety. After Rashid was selected for his batting at Scarborough he took six second innings wickets against Warwickshire suggesting he could be the all rounder to bring some much needed balance to the Yorkshire side.
Over the winter Lehmann returned to Australia signing off his Yorkshire career with 339 against Durham, Michael Lumb moved to Hampshire, Richard Dawson was released and signed for Northants, Craig White stepped down as captain and Anthony McGrath announced he no longer wanted to play for Yorkshire.
In a bold attempt to fill both the vacant captaincy and replace some of Lehmann's runs YCCC attempted to sign Sussex captain Chris Adams. County champions Sussex agreed to the deal and Adams initially accepted only to have an 11th hour change of heart and return to Hove.
Captainless Yorkshire seemed to be in disarray. Lehmann, McGrath and Lumb had accounted for over half the runs scored in 2006 and the batting line up was beginning to look fragile.
Then came the first good news. Younus Khan signed as an overseas player. A batsmen of pedigree who had racked up a double century for Pakistan at Headingly Carnegie last summer.
With Adams having disrupted recruitment plans and McGrath still wanting to play elsewhere YCCC made the shock appointment of Kolpak Jaques Rudolph. The South African test batsmen had finally tired of the Proteas' selection policy, like Kevin Pietersen before him, and committed himself to three years with Yorkshire. Although eyebrows were raised at the appointment of a Kolpak player Rudolph brought considerable calibre to a batting lineup now beginning to look more robust.
Jason Gillespie was re-signed as the second overseas player in the hope he could improve on his economical but slightly toothless bowling of 2005. Australia's 5th most prolific test wicket taker was having a good winter for South Australia and still harboured hopes of a return to test cricket.
With the departure of controversial Director of Cricket David Byas there were two leadership positions to be filled. With no obvious captain material amongst the Yorkshire side a suitable outside candidate was searched for. Enter Darren Gough. With his old enemy Byas gone the prodigal son returned from his three year spell at Essex. The 36 year old had been omitted from the England World Cup squad and took up the last major challenge of his playing career.
Gough brought not only his bubbly personality and experience but also some solid pace bowling and aggressive one day batting, reinforcing Yorkshire's lower order. His ambitions were to lighten what had been a gloomy dressing room atmosphere and help the players to once again enjoy their cricket.
The Director of Cricket position was filled by another former Yorkshire player. Martyn Moxon was somehow prised away from Durham where he had spent five years turning around the counties fortunes. During his time there Steve Harmison, Paul Collingwood and Liam Plunkett all became part of the England set up.
With the team improved, the school masterly Byas gone and Gough and Moxon back to lead the side Anthony McGrath finally decided he did want to remain a Yorkshire player. This final piece of the jigsaw transformed Yorkshire's middle order into one of the most powerful in the country. His effective medium pace bowling was a further addition to Yorkshire's ageing pace attack.
After a tumultuous winter Yorkshire had somehow emerged with a strong team, on paper at least and renewed hope of a successful 2007 campaign.
The pace bowling was hindered by injuries to young all rounder Tim Bresnan and leading wicket taker Deon Kruis. New overseas player Jason Gillespie disappointed with a relatively meagre haul of wickets leaving much of the work to be done by 'spin twins' Adil Rashid and Mark Lawson.
Only recently out of the 2nd XI the two young leg spinners made the most of some dry late summer pitches to bowl Yorkshire to safety. After Rashid was selected for his batting at Scarborough he took six second innings wickets against Warwickshire suggesting he could be the all rounder to bring some much needed balance to the Yorkshire side.
Over the winter Lehmann returned to Australia signing off his Yorkshire career with 339 against Durham, Michael Lumb moved to Hampshire, Richard Dawson was released and signed for Northants, Craig White stepped down as captain and Anthony McGrath announced he no longer wanted to play for Yorkshire.
In a bold attempt to fill both the vacant captaincy and replace some of Lehmann's runs YCCC attempted to sign Sussex captain Chris Adams. County champions Sussex agreed to the deal and Adams initially accepted only to have an 11th hour change of heart and return to Hove.
Captainless Yorkshire seemed to be in disarray. Lehmann, McGrath and Lumb had accounted for over half the runs scored in 2006 and the batting line up was beginning to look fragile.
Then came the first good news. Younus Khan signed as an overseas player. A batsmen of pedigree who had racked up a double century for Pakistan at Headingly Carnegie last summer.
With Adams having disrupted recruitment plans and McGrath still wanting to play elsewhere YCCC made the shock appointment of Kolpak Jaques Rudolph. The South African test batsmen had finally tired of the Proteas' selection policy, like Kevin Pietersen before him, and committed himself to three years with Yorkshire. Although eyebrows were raised at the appointment of a Kolpak player Rudolph brought considerable calibre to a batting lineup now beginning to look more robust.
Jason Gillespie was re-signed as the second overseas player in the hope he could improve on his economical but slightly toothless bowling of 2005. Australia's 5th most prolific test wicket taker was having a good winter for South Australia and still harboured hopes of a return to test cricket.
With the departure of controversial Director of Cricket David Byas there were two leadership positions to be filled. With no obvious captain material amongst the Yorkshire side a suitable outside candidate was searched for. Enter Darren Gough. With his old enemy Byas gone the prodigal son returned from his three year spell at Essex. The 36 year old had been omitted from the England World Cup squad and took up the last major challenge of his playing career.
Gough brought not only his bubbly personality and experience but also some solid pace bowling and aggressive one day batting, reinforcing Yorkshire's lower order. His ambitions were to lighten what had been a gloomy dressing room atmosphere and help the players to once again enjoy their cricket.
The Director of Cricket position was filled by another former Yorkshire player. Martyn Moxon was somehow prised away from Durham where he had spent five years turning around the counties fortunes. During his time there Steve Harmison, Paul Collingwood and Liam Plunkett all became part of the England set up.
With the team improved, the school masterly Byas gone and Gough and Moxon back to lead the side Anthony McGrath finally decided he did want to remain a Yorkshire player. This final piece of the jigsaw transformed Yorkshire's middle order into one of the most powerful in the country. His effective medium pace bowling was a further addition to Yorkshire's ageing pace attack.
After a tumultuous winter Yorkshire had somehow emerged with a strong team, on paper at least and renewed hope of a successful 2007 campaign.
Greetings
Welcome to the Yorkshire County Cricket Club web log. Here we will follow the fortunes of the White Rose throughout the 2007 season and beyond.
News, match reaction, informed opinion and debate will all be features of this emerging online resource.
Please feel free to shoot me down where necessary, comment on breaking developments at YCCC and generally vent any Yorkshire related feelings you have.
Here's to a productive and successful season.
Cheers
News, match reaction, informed opinion and debate will all be features of this emerging online resource.
Please feel free to shoot me down where necessary, comment on breaking developments at YCCC and generally vent any Yorkshire related feelings you have.
Here's to a productive and successful season.
Cheers
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