Bairstow returns as Gale has ‘ selection headaches’

YORKSHIRE are set to ring the changes despite getting their Bob Willis Trophy campaign off to a winning start.

The club could make a number of alterations to their side for the match against Nottinghamshire at Trent Bridge starting on Saturday.

Yorkshire will be significantly strengthened by the return of England batsman/ wicketkeeper Jonny Bairstow, who is also available for the following week’s home game against Derbyshire.

Pace bowler Duanne Oliver is back after missing the sixwicket win against Durham at the Riverside, having had less of a pre- season than his team- mates due to having had to quarantine on return from his native South Africa due to the guidance around Covid- 19.

England all- rounder David Willey could also return, although pace bowlers Ben Coad and Matthew Fisher are rated 5050 due to side niggles following their efforts in Durham.

Batsman Gary Ballance is still not feeling 100 per cent after a recent virus- like illness ( he has twice tested negative for coronavirus), while also out is all- rounder Matthew Waite, who has been diagnosed with a torn shoulder muscle after going down injured in training at Durham.

Yorkshire first- team coach Andrew Gale said: “There’s certainly going to be some selection headaches.

“It will be great to have Jonny Bairstow for the next two games, and he’s really keen to get back involved.

“He’s the best keeper in the country in my eyes, and we’ll have a chat about where he wants to bat in the top order.

“He’s excited to be back – he’s dropped me a few texts this week, and he rang me the other day – and we can’t wait to have him around.”

Gale went on: “I’m going to speak on Wednesday to Dave ( Willey), who might come back into the fold.”

Gale was delighted with the victory at the Riverside.

“I thought it was a very professional performance,” he said. “I thought from ball one we were relentless; we controlled the rate, and then Matthew Fisher’s second innings spell changed the game.

“We could have scored more with the bat first innings, but the chase at the end, and the partnership between Dawid Malan and Harry Brook, was outstanding.

“Winning close games like that gives you confidence.”