Unburdened McGrath's early grounds for optimism

McGrath experienced a disappointing campaign in 2009 as Yorkshire narrowly avoided County Championship relegation, averaging 33 with the bat as the stresses of the leadership took their toll.

It prompted the former England all-rounder to stand down as captain at the end of the season and so the club turned to Andrew Gale, who will take charge for the first time in the curtain-raiser at Warwickshire.

McGrath, who has totalled 452 runs in his last three Championship innings at Edgbaston, including successive career-best scores of 188 not out and 211, promises to be a key man in Yorkshire's bid for a successful season. And Moxon believes he will turn on the style.

"Anthony's still a class act and I know he's desperate to perform well this year," said Moxon.

"He doesn't have the burden of the captaincy now and I'm sure he's going to be a very good senior pro for us.

"He was disappointed with his return last year and he's been working really hard to make sure he has a good season.

"He's looked good in practice and is hitting the ball well."

Moxon said McGrath had gone back to basics. "Anthony's game is quite simple really," he added. "If his pre-delivery movements are working well, then normally he's playing well.

"The problems arise when his pre-delivery movements are a little bit out of synch, and then it becomes a challenge for him.

"But, at the moment, he's moving really nicely."

McGrath, 34, probably wishes he could carry the Edgbaston pitch around with him. He has scored 918 runs in eight first-class games there at an average of 76.50; only at Headingley (3,478) and Scarborough (1,082) has he scored more first-class runs.

"Anthony has a great record at Edgbaston and let's hope he can make it a hat-trick of three-figure scores there," added Moxon. "I certainly wouldn't put it past him."

Yorkshire will be without replacement overseas player Tino Best, who is still awaiting his work permit.

The West Indian pace bowler is now expected to make his debut in next week's Championship home game against Somerset.

"Tino won't be with us but everyone else is fit and available," added Moxon.

"It's important we hit the ground running because it's always nice to get off to a good start. A few wins under your belt sets you up, although Warwickshire will be difficult opponents.

"They're a strong unit who were difficult to beat last year and who'll no doubt be difficult to beat this year."

Yorkshire squad: Sayers, Lyth, McGrath, Rudolph, Gale (captain), Bairstow, Rashid, Bresnan, Shahzad, Patterson, Hannon-Dalby, Wainwright, Pyrah.