Steve Patterson has hailed the development of Jack Shutt over the last 12 months as the off-spinner prepares to make his first-class debut this weekend.
Assuming there are no last minute dramas, Shutt will begin Yorkshire’s Bob Willis Trophy campaign against Durham at Emirates Riverside, starting on Saturday.
The 23-year-old took 10 wickets in seven Vitality Blast matches last summer, including a stunning 5-11 in a victory against Durham at the Riverside.
“Jack’s done really well, both last summer and over the winter,” said Patterson, who will take a 13-man squad to the North East.
“It’s no secret that we’ve all been really impressed with his development.”
Shutt has benefitted from the unavailability of international spinners Keshav Maharaj and Ravi Ashwin, who had been signed to fulfil the county’s overseas spot in the regular County Championship. But Coronavirus means they are no longer coming to Emerald Headingley this summer.
It is further proof that chances to kick-start a career can often come in unexpected ways.