Why Darren Gough is pleased with his three new white-ball specialists as Yorkshire target one-day glory

The former England fast bowler has snapped up Pakistan duo Haris Rauf and Shadab Khan and New Zealand’s Finn Allen.

All three will dovetail in the T20 Blast as Yorkshire seek to win the competition for the first time.

Rauf will also play in the County Championship as Yorkshire chase their first title since 2015.

“I’m excited about Haris Rauf,” said Gough. “He’s burst on to the scene in one-day cricket but he’s very keen to develop his longer format game.

“I originally signed him just for the Championship, but once I found out he was available up until June 3, I thought it was a no-brainer to get him in for the first five Blast games as well.”

Gough will also have leg-spinning all-rounder Shadab for the first five Blast games.

“Shadab is an amazing player,” said Gough, with the 23-year-old also available for the final six Blast matches in the 14-game group stage.

“He can bat as high as three, which he did in the PSL, or as low as six, seven or eight to really strengthen our lower order.

“He also bowls excellent leg-spin.”

Gough is also a big admirer of Allen, who will take over from Rauf from match six onwards.

“I was lucky enough to work on The Hundred last year, and I saw some very, very good limited overs players... he was definitely one of them,” added Gough.

“He was high up on my target list when I took over as director of cricket, so I’m delighted to get it over the line.”