PROFILE

2011 proved a sterner test of Andrew’s captaincy credentials whereas in 2010 ‘everything I touched turned to gold’. That he did not wilt, until a broken arm ended his season four weeks prematurely, is of huge credit to him. The experience gained will potentially make him a far better leader. 

The pride and affection he brings to the job of Yorkshire captain remains as strong as ever and he is driven by a desire to right the disappointment of relegation from Division One of the LV= County Championship. His own game was as consistent as it ever has been in 2011. 145 not out in the defeat to Nottinghamshire at Headingley deserved to be a match winning knock and true grit shown against Durham, when his unbeaten 101 salvaged a draw, were the highlights of a fine Championship season. He led from the top of the innings in the CB40 where his 112 against Kent in Canterbury was the highlight and in the t20 competition he was the 11^th highest run scorer in the country despite Yorkshire’s inability to successfully escape the Northern Group.

From the moment the 2009 season ended Andrew's life seemed to change daily. After a great season he was appointed Yorkshire captain shortly before Christmas, he signed a new Yorkshire contract, got married and toured South Africa as captain of the England Lions team.

Andrew played for England at Under-15 through to Under 19 level, and he captained the Under-19 team. He made his Yorkshire debut in 2004, making four appearances, but had to be patient, waiting until 2006 for another opportunity, when he made 149 against Warwickshire at Scarborough.

Andrew made a slow start to 2009 but once he found his rhythm he played some dynamic innings, at one stage plundering 522 runs in five consecutive Championship matches. He saved Yorkshire’s bacon in the Roses match at Old Trafford with scores of 54 and 121. Andrew hit a century against Worcestershire at New Road and was one run away from another one against Nottinghamshire at Scarborough when a brief lapse in concentration brought his downfall.

He scored over twice as many runs as any of his colleagues in the Twenty20 Cup and he and Jacques Rudolph were an exciting combination of openers in all one-day cricket.

With the added burden of captaincy in 2010 he delivered a century against Somerset in an early season Championship win and never looked back. A 166 4th wicket partnership with Anthony McGrath set up a Championship win over Essex at Scarborough. In mid-August Gale hit 70 as he chased down 299 for another victory at Durham. The highlight though was a career best 151 not out at Trent Bridge in September where he showed all of his tenacity and fight to see his side into a commanding position against the eventual Champion County.

Throughout 2010 Gale’s captaincy brought many plaudits and the rousing reception he and his team received when they left the field at the end of the final match at Headingley Carnegie was testament to the attacking, wholehearted spirit with which his side had played throughout the season.

Amidst the Yorkshire talk, Andrew has not given up on furthering his claims for an England place and runs in 2012 could well remind the selectors that an attacking batsman with a mature head is still at their disposal.

Andrew Gale also co-founded the Pro Cricket Coaching Academy which operates Pro Coach Yorkshire – the cricket coaching arm of the Club.

JAMES BUTTLER 
January 2012