Thongsbridge cricketer Francesca James has been selected for the Yorkshire Under 15 women’s squad.
After attending county trials James (left) won her place and is currently the only spinner in the squad, although a further four players will be added to the 14 players already selected.
James, who has played for Thongsbridge since the age of six and has played at all junior age groups, will be Francesca is following in the footsteps of her grandfather,Brian James, who also played for the Yorkshire first team in the 1950s.
James began her career as a seamer, but was advised to change to leg spin in 2012 and it has proved to be a successful switch.
James won the bowling prize for Thongsbridge Under 15 side last season and finished seventh in the Huddersfield League averages.
She is also accomplished with the bat and won the batting prize for Wrenthorpe Ladies, who compete in the Yorkshire Women’s Regional League.
The Yorkshire Under 15 side have a number of fixtures arranged both home and away against Derbyshire, Cheshire, Nottinghamshire and Lancashire.
They will also take part in a T20 competition, held over two days in May.
James is due to take part in her first Yorkshire practice on Tuesday, in preparation for the first game against Nottinghamshire at Clifton CC on May 1.
Yorkshire and England wicketkeeper Jonny Bairstow has been ruled out for up to six weeks after breaking a finger.
The 24-year-old fractured a finger on his left hand after attempting to take a ball from Liam Plunkett in friendly against Northamptonshire.
Scans have confirmed Bairstow will miss the first four matches of the new County Championship campaign, starting on Sunday at Somerset.
Yorkshire coach Jason Gillespie hopes Bairstow will be fit for club and country as soon as possible.
