McGrath sure Yorkshire can continue to surprise rivals

The former England all-rounder believes a team tipped by most bookmakers to finish bottom of Division One have the ability to turn the form book on its head.

Yorkshire go into today's game against defending champions Durham at Headingley Carnegie targeting their third win in four Championship games.

Their chances are boosted by the fact Durham pace bowlers Steve Harmison (back), Graham Onions (back) and Mitch Claydon (abdominal strain) are out injured.

McGrath told the Yorkshire Post: "It's early days, but I see no reason why we can't challenge for the Championship.

"We've already taken a few teams by surprise and I think we can keep it going.

"We've beaten Warwickshire and Somerset and drawn against a good Kent side.

"Everyone is full of confidence and there's a very good vibe about the place."

McGrath, the sole survivor of Yorkshire's last Championship title-winning side in 2001, acknowledged there were differences between that team and the class of 2010 – most notably in terms of experience.

But he believes a young Yorkshire side have a point to prove and are playing without fear.

"We had a lot more experience in 2001 and it's a totally different side now," added McGrath, the only thirty-something in the current line-up.

"But we've got a confident squad who are keen to show what they can do and it's amazing what can happen if you get on a roll.

"We did that back in 2001 and I honestly believe we can do it again.

"It's going to be tough with Tim Bresnan and Ajmal Shahzad being away with England for the next few games, but we've got some real momentum going."

McGrath had a frustrating 2009 as the pressures of the captaincy took their toll, but he has looked in fine fettle this year and threw an unwanted monkey off his back when he registered his first Championship half-century for 10 months on the final day of the Kent match.

"I've been pleased with the way I've been hitting the ball, although it's frustrating I've not had a really big score yet," he added.

"It was nice to get a few runs against Kent, but it's hundreds you're looking for really.

"But if I keep batting how I've been batting lately, I'm sure those big scores will come."

McGrath believes Andrew Gale, his successor as captain, has done a splendid job since taking charge and feels Yorkshire are building strongly for the future.

"I tried every angle to get us winning last year, but sometimes the harder you try the less it comes off," reflected McGrath.

"But in some ways I feel that all the hard work of last year is starting to pay off, and Galey has continued the same principles of trying to give the young lads opportunities.

"We've blooded a lot of youngsters in the last few years and I think we're starting to see the rewards. Long may it continue."

Yorkshire will hand a Championship debut to Tino Best, who took 4-46 on his one-day bow against Essex on Sunday. Steve Patterson is set to return to the Championship fold.

Martyn Moxon, Yorkshire's director of professional cricket, said: "Durham are the champions two years running and, if we can do well against them, it will stand us in good stead.

"It's usually a good contest. We had two good games against them last year and arguably should have beaten them at Headingley. It's a match that will show us where we're at."