KIERON POLLARD says Yorkshire’s youngsters have a great platform to prove themselves in the Champions League.

The West Indian all-rounder – part of their World T20-winning side in Sri Lanka – lines up for the Mumbai Indians against the White Rose at Cape Town today (4.30).

Pollard first came to prominence in the same competition in 2009 and says young players – like those in the predominently youthful Yorkshire line-up – should make the most of the experience in South Africa.

“This is where it all started for me and it’s a special event,” said Pollard.

“The 2009 tournament in India opened up a new world for me and after that there’s been no looking back.

“The Champions League helped me catch the attention of Mumbai Indians in the IPL and others across the world.

“I can’t thank my stars enough. The tournament’s great for budding youngsters to prove themselves.”

Yorkshire skipper Andrew Gale says his side didn’t do themselves justice when they were hammered by the Sydney Sixers, but he’s confident they will bounce back having performed well in the qualifying tournament.

It won’t be easy, because the Indians are still smarting from their opening group defeat to the Highveld Lions by eight wickets.

And Yorkshire will have to find a much betterformula with the bat after being dominated by the Sixers’ attack.