Sobers presents Gale with award

Captain Gale, 28, played a pivotal role in Yorkshire winning a Twenty20 tournament involving several English counties. He was named player of the series and collected his award from Sir Garfield Sobers.

Dewsbury-born Gale said: “To win man of the series was good but it was a surreal moment to have Sir Garfield Sobers presenting the award – it was extra special.”

Gale scored 111 in the Twenty20 semi-final win over Nottinghamshire and 41 in the final with Warwickshire.

Looking towards the County Championship kick-off next week Gale added: “I feel we (Yorkshire) are in a really good place and to win some silverware before the season gives us confidence to move forward.”

Gale was full of praise for Cleckheatonbowler Iain Wardlaw, who also impressed in Barbados. “Iain has had a good opportunity on tour and certainly impressed (coach) Jason Gillespie,” he added. “Iain is learning all the time and has will certainly be considered for the first game.”

Yorkshire’s championship season begins next Friday as Kent visit Headingley and everybody’s focus is on promotion to the first division. Geoffrey Boycott became Yorkshire’s president at last week’s annual meeting and Gale admits he looking forward to working with him.

“I’ve known Boycs for some time and he is right when he says we need to win promotion. That will be first and foremost on our minds,” said Gale.

“I have dreamed of winning trophies with Yorkshire and it would be an immense feeling to lift the second division title.”

Fellow Yorkshire player, Dewsbury’s Richard Pyrah stayed in England for the birth of twin girls last week.