T20 BLAST PREVIEW: Joe Root, Adil Rashid, Dawid Malan, Jonny Bairstow and David Willey would all play for the White Rose in an ideal scenario... but how many will feature for their county, and how often, in 2020?
Coach: Andrew Gale
Captain: David Willey/Tom Kohler-Cadmore
Last season: 5th, North Division
Fixtures: August 27 - Nottinghamshire (h); August 30 - Derbyshire (h); August 31 - Nottinghamshire (a); September 2 - Leicestershire (h); September 4 - Durham (a); September 11 - Leicestershire (a); September 14 - Lancashire (h); September 16 - Durham (a); September 17 - Lancashire (a); September 20 - Derbyshire (a)
How did they do last year?
The Headingley club came up short of reaching the knockout stage, as they failed to improve on a record of one Finals Day appearance since finishing as runners-up in 2012. Victory in their final two matches was not enough to squeeze into the quarter-finals, with some critical results and inclement weather ruining their hopes before the final round.
No sides had more matches abandoned due to rain than the Vikings, who rocked up to four matches without a ball being bowled. Of the 18 teams in the competition, only Glamorgan finished with fewer wins than their four with three coming towards the back-end of the campaign.
Despite their bad luck with the weather, Yorkshire still had their destiny in their own hands. Failure to beat Birmingham Bears when needing five off three was the nadir, leading to the only tie of the competition. Crucially, they lost every completed match against sides who finished above them, underlining the gap between themselves and the rest.
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Who are their key players?
Tom Kohler-Cadmore: No player who featured in 10 or more Blast matches in 2019 averaged more than the 25-year-old, who scored 435 runs at 62.14 for the Vikings.
He will have the captaincy back for long stages of the 2020 campaign due to David Willey's international involvement, yet there is equal responsibility on his ability to get big runs at the top of the order. His off-the-field issues appear to be past him - England recognised that after calling into the summer 55 - but he must prove himself again with a disjointed squad under his wing.
Jack Shutt: The 23-year-old will be among Yorkshire's frontline spinners this season in the absence of Keshav Maharaj and Adil Rashid, but he showed in dispatches last term that he is ready for the responsibility. His 10 scalps last year came at 16.40, but critically his off-spin only went at 6.83 an over.
Was handed his first-class debut in the Bob Willis Trophy and while he has struggled at times there is plenty of reason to think that Shutt could have another positive impact in 2020.
What are their biggest strengths?
The top order has plenty of experience and quality at this level, with Kohler-Cadmore joined by Adam Lyth who will chime in with key contributions with bat and ball.
Add Joe Root into the equation and suddenly there is a top three to be revered. Harry Brook scores at a strike-rate of 146 at this level and gives the middle-order some much-needed firepower.
Meanwhile, in Duanne Olivier they have an x-factor bowler. The spin department has plenty of depth too when everyone is available.
Where might they have a weakness?
Consistency in selection and getting their best XI on the field might prove to be an issue as the competition progresses.
Gary Ballance is not yet ready for selection, Root's participation will depend on how he feels after a busy Test summer and with a newborn to look after at home. Jonny Bairstow, Rashid, and Willey could miss nearly all of the campaign; the same fate could befall Dawid Malan.
Chances of reaching Finals Day?
If the Vikings can finish in the top four, the return of the cavalry come the latter stages could see them go all the way.
Strongest XI: Jonny Bairstow, Adam Lyth, Joe Root, Tom Kohler-Cadmore, Dawid Malan, Harry Brook, David Willey, Jordan Thompson, Adil Rashid, Duanne Olivier, Jack Shutt
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