FORMER Lowerhouse professional Jacques Rudolph has received clearance to play for Yorkshire – and will open the batting against Lancashire today in the 253rd Roses match.
The 30-year-old South African, who was paid man at Liverpool Road back in 2002 and also played two games for Todmorden four years later, landed in the UK yesterday morning to begin his spell as the White Rose overseas player.
And he will open the batting at Headingley today after Yorkshire received a No Objection Certificate from his state Pretoria.
While Lancashire are back up to full strength for the game as they look to maintain their second spot in the Division One table, Yorkshire must now decide whether to drop Roses Adam Lyth or Anthony McGrath if they are to open with Rudolph.
The game promises much as the already heated Roses rivalry has been intensified since the match at Liverpool earlier this season when Yorkshire were unhappy with the boisterous behaviour of some home players, including England ace James Anderson.
Lancashire won that game – but Yorkshire are intent on making this match a big one as it is the Tykes’ 3,000th Championship game – and in the tally sheet of Roses games they lead 75-51.
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