COULD YORKSHIRE FIELD THREE SPINNERS?

By Richard Watts
January 14 2007

It is a long time since Yorkshire has had such potential in the spin department. The feats of Adil Rashid and Mark Lawson have been well documented but there is a third young spinner impressing good judges, the 21-year-old left armer David Wainwright.

When you consider that Adil Rashid’s ability with the bat could earn him a place as a batsman, could the day when Yorkshire field three spinners be nearing?

Wainwright made his debut for the Second X1 as a 17-year-old against Surrey Seconds in 2002. He made a pretty impressive start, 3-42 in the first innings and 3-97 in the second (from 45 overs). He played a handful of Second X1 games in 2003 and 2004, again showing potential particularly in a game against Northants Seconds at Milton Keynes where he out-bowled Monty Panesar (Panesar’s match figures 2-145, Wainwright’s 7-78). After some consistent performances, Wainwright made his Yorkshire debut in the Championship against Somerset at Taunton in September 2004. Rain spoilt the game, three overs for five runs was the debutants contribution.

The early part of 2005 saw Wainwright playing for British Universities. He bowled with good control and produced 4-109 v Notts, then 2-26 followed by his career best to date 4-48 from 19 overs against Worcestershire. On completion of his University duties a regular Second X1 spot awaited at Yorkshire. He produced a number of steady performances, 3-28 v Derbyshire the best. The Pontefract born players made two Totesport League appearances in 2005, three overs for 15 runs against Kent in August and eight overs for 44 against Durham in September. The season finished with a Second County Championship appearance against Northants at Northampton. A steady spell of 29-5-86-1, gave Monty Panesar a bit of revenge as he took ten wickets in the match.

After a steady rather than spectacular University season in 2006 Wainwright returned to Yorkshire to a place in the Second X1. He bowled tidily in the Second X1 trophy 10 overs for 25 runs v Leicestershire and 3-42 v Durham his best displays. In the 4-day Second X1 matches the 21 year old put in several tidy shifts, his seasons best was 3-14 against Durham at Chester-Le-Street.

David Wainwright also shows signs of ability with the bat. 70 not out from 88 balls in the Second X1 Trophy Final being his best performance to date.

Spin threats come in all shapes, sizes and variations and it may be sensible for Yorkshire to give David Wainwright some opportunities in the First XI in 2007.

Have your say on the message board thread below:

Do you think Yorkshire could play 3 spinners in the same side?
Does anyone know if Yorkshire, or indeed any county has played 3 recognised spinners together before? If so when was the last time?