Opportunity to learn from best is seized upon by Pyrah

Pyrah has made a seamless transition from player to coach during the last two years, with 2017 being his first as assistant to Andrew Gale.

Former White Rose second XI coach Paul Farbrace, now England’s assistant, invited him to get involved with the backroom staff today and tomorrow, as well as on the day of the match itself.

It is something Farbrace, head coach Trevor Bayliss and director of England cricket Andrew Strauss have done regularly with coaches around the county circuit.

“Farby rang me in the winter and said ‘we’d like you to come for the build up’,” said Pyrah, who has left the Roses match at Emirates Old Trafford ahead of day four.

“I’m going to do all the build up and also the game at Headingley. It’s brilliant, and I’m really looking forward to it.

“To get as much experience as I can at my age is invaluable.

“I’ve been with Yorkshire all my career, so to go and see another team, especially an international team, will be great.

“I’ll be able to pick Farby’s and Trevor’s brains and see what they do.

“It’s exciting. I didn’t expect the phone call, I must admit. I know half the squad anyway with them being our lads at Yorkshire. That will make it easier.

“I’ve only been coaching for a couple of years, so to get some experience at that level is invaluable.”

England have three ODIs against South Africa before the ICC Champions Trophy, which begins next Thursday against Bangladesh.

And Pyrah is confident of success.

He said: “I think this group of players is a step up from anything England have ever had.

“If Jonny Bairstow can’t get in your side, you must have an exciting team.

“Right down the order, they can all get a hundred and hit it out of the park. Bowling wise, they’ve got pace, swing and two spinners who turn in both ways.

“They’ve got everything covered at the minute.”

Yorkshire’s director of cricket Martyn Moxon was involved with the Lions squad in Dubai before Christmas, so he has an idea of what Pyrah can expect over the next three days.

“Rich will be able to see how the international players prepare and tap into their game plans,” he said.

“That’s the main reason for being around, to learn from the best and bring it back to us and share it with our young players in particular.

“Rich is a bright young coach, and I’m sure he will go a long way in the game.

“It’s part of what Trevor and Farby are looking to do with county coaches, and that can only be good for their development and the game in this country.

“Rich will love it. He will take it all in and be like a sponge.”