Dom Bess is hoping he can come more to the fore during the second half of Yorkshire’s bid for Vitality Blast silverware, starting at Durham tonight (6.30pm).
The England Test off-spinner has played all seven North Group games so far but has only bowled 10 overs as part of an attack which has, at times, been four-pronged in the spin department with Shadab Khan, Adil Rashid and Joe Root alongside him.
Now, with Root on Test duty and Rashid with England’s ODI squad in Holland, Bess has the opportunity to bowl more overs and add to his only wicket.
That starts at a ground – the Seat Unique Riverside – which has been low-scoring this season and has seen success for spinners and pace off the ball seamers.
Much-changed Yorkshire head into their eighth North Group game sat in fourth place in the table having won four games, most recently by 10 wickets against Birmingham Bears at Edgbaston last Friday.
“It’s a massive game for us, but the confidence we have got should stand us in good stead after running away with it at Birmingham,” said Bess.
“We also played in a hell of a game against Lancashire but fell just short. We tied at Lancs and beat Notts, Durham and Worcester at home.
“Personally, it’s been quite an interesting T20 period for me. Last year I had a pretty set role of bowling in the middle.
“But when you have the world-class quality of Rash and Shadab, plus the other bowlers we’ve got, I feel like I’ve probably had to facilitate the team a bit more.
“That’s absolutely fine because we’re winning games and are there and thereabouts.
“It’s been a big learning curve for me, and I haven’t bowled many four-over spells.
“But it’s a big opportunity for me now in these next few games, 100 percent. And also the team. We have a great chance to be successful. Let’s try and take it.”
