Gillespie looks for players to make impression as star duo depart

Root and Bairstow have been instrumental in helping the club win two of their first three Championship games against Durham and Derbyshire.

Root scored 182 to inspire Yorkshire to their fourth-highest run-chase in the match at Durham before compiling a career-best 236 in the win over Derbyshire.

And Bairstow struck a scintillating 186 against Derbyshire as Yorkshire hit back to win despite conceding a first innings total of 475.

There is no doubt Yorkshire would not have won either match without the England duo and that they would almost certainly have lost in Durham but for Root’s contribution.

Now, with Root and Bairstow on England Lions duty this week and unlikely to play for the club in the foreseeable future due to commitments with the full England side, we come down to the crux of Yorkshire’s summer.

Jason Gillespie, the first-team coach, stated after the victory against Derbyshire that he believes Yorkshire can cope without Root and Bairstow, while he has previously stressed his firm opinion that the club have sufficient batting strength following the retirement of Anthony McGrath.

Gillespie has recalled Joe Sayers to the squad today in place of Root, while Andrew Hodd will take the wicketkeeping gloves from Bairstow.

“Joe and Jonny were outstanding against Derbyshire and batted very well,” said Gillespie.

“They deserve to be selected for England Lions and I’m sure they will figure heavily in England’s plans this summer. It means we have two players coming into the set-up to make an impression.

“Joe Sayers has been in good form for the seconds and he has the ability to step in and make an impact at the top of the order.

“We also have a top-class ’keeper in Andrew Hodd, who is up there with the very best wicketkeepers in the country.

“He will fill Jonny’s boots with distinction, both with the gloves and the bat.

“I have no issues with these guys coming in and adding to the overall make up of the team.

“They are good enough to be very successful at this level.”

Although Root and Bairstow are missing this week, Yorkshire have Tim Bresnan available as he works towards a potential England return against New Zealand at Lord’s on Thursday week.

Ryan Sidebottom, who captured a career-best 7-37 when Yorkshire last played Somerset in the Championship at Headingley in September 2011, is recalled after being rested for the Derbyshire match, while Liam Plunkett has been rested for this week’s fixture.

Neil Wagner pressed his claims for a place in New Zealand’s Test team with a five-wicket haul as the tourists completed a 107-run win over Derbyshire in their opening tour match at Derby. The 27-year-old seamer took 5-45 in 18 overs although he was spoken to by umpire Nigel Cowley for hitting opener Billy Godleman when he tried to throw down the stumps.

Wagner finished with eight wickets in the match and although Dan Redfern made 58, Derbyshire never looked like chasing down a target of 335 and were bowled out for 227 after tea.

The tourists declared on their overnight score of 199-5, which left Derbyshire facing a demanding target based on their first innings when they offered little resistance and were all out for 154.