YORKSHIRE have turned back the clock by re-signing off-spinner James Middlebrook as cover for international absentee Adil Rashid, with the 37-year-old likely to debut against Warwickshire at Headingley tomorrow.

Middlebrook has been drafted into a 12-man squad for the third Championship match of 2015, with 19-year-old left-armer Karl Carver returning to second team duty.

Leeds-born Middlebrook has been without a county since leaving Northamptonshire in September, and he has been playing Bradford League cricket for New Farnley, who is due to play for today against Hanging Heaton.

Middlebrook has also played for Essex during a career which has seen him take 458 first-class wickets from 220 matches, 49 of which came for Yorkshire in 23 matches between 1998 and 2001.

The signing has been made because Rashid is unavailable to face last season’s runners-up as he is on England duty in the Caribbean, with Middlebrook saying: “It has been surreal.

“I wasn’t expecting a call to come and play first-class cricket again, and to get the call from Yorkshire was a shock.

“I’m excited and looking forward to my second debut with the club. It will be a big honour to walk out in front of the Yorkshire members at Headingley.

“Yorkshire are a talented side with some great players. I’ll do my job, and hopefully help the lads get a win against Warwickshire.”

Carver played in the opening-round win against Worcestershire before missing the draw against Nottinghamshire earlier this week.

“Karl has been in our squad this season, and we have been pleased with his development over the past 12 months,” said coach Jason Gillespie.

“However, at this point in time, we feel he is best served learning his trade in the second team.

“James was available having been released by Northamptonshire last season. I expect him to do well for us and add to our squad in the short-term.

“James will play for New Farnley today, and will more than likely make his debut for us tomorrow.”