Jason Gillespie backs Adam Lyth's England credentials
Friday 29 April 2016 14:04, UK
After picking up successive County Championship titles, Yorkshire have a target on their back.
They're the team that everyone wants to beat but head coach Jason Gillespie insists that the challenge of winning a third title on the bounce is something to be embraced.
Indeed, their 2014 triumph ended a 13-year wait for the prize - a minor delay compared to the 33 years that had passed since their last win prior to that - during which time they even suffered relegation to Division Two. Relative to that, the pressure of defending the title is no hardship at all.
"We're just embracing the challenge," Gillespie told Sky Sports ahead of Sunday's Sky Live Championship match at Nottinghamshire.
"We've put aside the fact that we've won two Championships - that's great but we're just focusing on this summer and this season, and what we need to do to play good cricket. We see it as a massive challenge and something to be embraced.
"The other eight teams are the challengers. We've had hard-fought draws against Hampshire and Warwickshire so we know that every team, every match, that we play in this division is going to be really difficult - a really strong challenge but we're excited about that and we're up for it."
It is that attitude of relishing every opportunity to overcome any obstacle that is put in front of them that has seen Yorkshire rise so swiftly under the Australian's leadership.
Promotion in Gillespie's first season at the helm in 2012 was followed by a second-place finish in 2013, in which they pushed eventual champions Durham all the way, before going one better in each of the past two seasons.
In that time, the county has also brought through a talented group of young batsmen, many of whom either have or are tipped to represent England.
Of course, the step up to international level is not without its difficulties and Yorkshire have seen a couple of their number struggle at the highest level.
Namely, Gary Ballance and Adam Lyth, both of whom have returned to the county scene keen to regroup before pushing for an England recall.
"They've responded very positively, it's been great," Gillespie said of the duo. "The lads have worked really hard on their games.
"They understand, they're grateful for the opportunity to play for their country and while it didn't quite work out for them, the advice from us has been simply: 'You are your own best selector, go out and score as many runs as you can, that gives you the best chance of being picked.'
"We're obviously very keen to see as many Yorkshire players representing England as possible. I certainly think Adam is good enough to succeed and thrive at international level.
"He didn't quite grasp his chance during the Ashes but all he can do is focus on scoring runs for Yorkshire and if an opportunity comes then I'm sure he'll grab it with both hands."
The former Aussie quick was equally upbeat on Ballance's chances, praising his dedication and insisting that he too is ready to take his chance if it comes.
"He's been working on all facets of his game," added Gillespie. "There's been a lot of media talk and people offering advice and whatnot, but he's been working very hard with various coaches at Yorkshire on various aspects of his game.
"He's been in fine touch so far in pre-season and this season and he's really excited about this summer ahead for Yorkshire."
Perhaps the example both men can look to is Joe Root. The England star has recovered from being dropped from the side during the 2013/14 Ashes series to establish himself as one of the world's leading batsmen.
And the pair will have a chance to pick his brains in the coming weeks with Root set to make a rare appearance for Yorkshire in their Division One clash with Nottinghamshire.
"We don't really bank on having Joe at all so any time we do have him is an absolute bonus," said Gillespie.
"It's great that he's back and available for us for a couple of fixtures. We welcome him with open arms. He's a great lad to have around and, obviously, a wonderful player."
As for the match itself, Gillespie is expecting a difficult game at Trent Bridge but aims to ensure Yorkshire have done everything possible to go out and claim their first win of the campaign.
"They're a very good side. They had a good first win of the season and then they lost to Lancashire," he added.
"We know what a quality side they are and we're certainly very respectful of that and we know it's going to be a really tough challenge for us.
"We'll do our best preparation, we'll do our research on their side and we'll work really hard to give ourselves the best chance of being successful."
You can watch Yorkshire take on Nottinghamshire in Specsavers County Championship Division One live on Sky Sports 2 HD. Coverage starts at 10.30am on Sunday May 1.
