Lions Of Yorkshire

Here is an end-of-term report on the Yorkshire players who did battle briefly in South Africa, on behalf of the touring England Lions. So, who amongst the sextet passed their audition and merits serious consideration as a test cricketer against the West Indies and in the forthcoming Ashes series?

Jonny Bairstow was a success, recording three scores in the 'sixties. However, it remains to be seen if he will be recalled to the England test team any time soon.

Tim Bresnan had a brief cameo in the one-day series where the big guy was unable to distinguish himself.

Jack Brooks's highlight was a blistering fifty. His bowling was sometimes quite tidy. However, he was unable to run through any batting orders. 

Alex Lees started off his tour with a promising 85, albeit against relatively weak opposition. However, he was unable to kick on from there, which was disappointing.

Adam Lyth meanwhile did himself a few favours with an unbeaten hundred and a fifty. He certainly outperformed his opening partner, Sam Robson. 

Liam Plunkett probably batted better than he bowled. He did pick up quite a few wickets, but was generally expensive. His test career remains in the balance. 

Adil Rashid recorded two half-centuries which reminded us of his merits as a middle-order batsman. His first-innings bowling efforts however were quite poor. 

With any luck, Adam Lyth will be upgraded to the test squad, bound for the Caribbean in the late spring. He should join Root and Ballance there. Whether any other of the above-mentioned Tykes gets the benefit of the doubt is open to question. The fifteen-man squad is expected to be announced around the time that the knockout stages of the World Cup get into full swing.