Tykes Update

In this horrible midwinter, let us emerge from temporary hibernation and review the exploits of the elite Yorkshire cricketers who are representing their country in much sunnier climes. Bless them all.

First of all, pride of place is undoubtedly allocated to Mr Kane Williamson of New Zealand. Our trusted overseas pro has been creating records in his native land with marathon batting stints, not yet quite witnessed in the white rose county. To be precise, KW amassed an astonishing unbeaten 242 [his first test double hundred] whilst simultaneously compiling an historic stand of 365 for the sixth wicket alongside BJ Watling, the highest-ever in test cricket history! The 24-year-old honorary Yorkshireman spent more than ten hours at the crease, recording the seventh highest test score by a Kiwi batsman. Bravo to him.

Elsewhere, congratulations are deservedly extended to both Gary Ballance and Joe Root for making the cut for the one-day series in Australia, followed by the World Cup tournament. The England selectors belatedly saw sense and realised that Ballance was a more belligerent option than the considerably less dynamic Alistair Cook.

Joe Root in fact excelled on England's one-day tour of Sri Lanka where he produced a few good knocks which reminded all and sundry that he remains one of England's most valuable batsmen. While others were inconsistent, young JR seemed by far the most reliable and consistent, registering scores in ascending order of 2, 36, 42, 48 not out, 55, 80, and 104 not out in the seven one-day internationals. Bravo to him as well.

A report on the exploits of the six Yorkshire cricketers involved in the England Lions trip to South Africa will follow in due course. It was certainly a fitting tribute to the success of the Yorkshire CCC first eleven last summer that no fewer than half a dozen of the England Lions team all hail from the white rose county - a formidable achievement which reinforces the fact that several Yorkshire players are on the cusp of selection for the nation's first eleven, subject to them passing their auditions on the tour of South Africa. Right, it's time to return to the safe haven of my duvet to escape the dastardly [or bastardly?] cold. Au revoir, mes amis.