YORKSHIRE are expecting one of the toughest County Championship title battles in recent memory as the champions aim for three in a row.

The ECB have revealed next summer’s fixture list, with the White Rose among eight Test-match counties out of nine in Division One after promoted Lancashire and Surrey replaced Sussex and Worcestershire.

Yorkshire open their Championship account against Hampshire at Headingley on Sunday, April 17, as revealed yesterday, and finish the campaign against Middlesex at Lord’s on September 20.

The two Roses Championship matches take place at Headingley on May 29 and at Emirates Old Trafford on August 13 - the latter being a Saturday start rather than a Sunday.

Division Two champions Surrey will have the Curran brothers, Tom and Sam, leading their bowling attack, and Sri Lanka legend Kumar Sangakkara anchoring their batting line-up.

And Warwickshire, who are Yorkshire’s first away match on April 24, could also have Ian Bell, Jonathan Trott and Chris Woakes for large periods of the season.

“I think 2016 will be a very tough year in Championship cricket for all those reasons you’ve mentioned,” said coach Jason Gillespie.

"People may scoff when I say that I think it was very challenging in 2014 and 2015. We had to fight hard and take games deep into the fourth day to come away with wins, and I only expect that to happen again.

“We were fortunate that we were able to find ways to win from tough situations.

“There are some wonderful players who will be playing next year and some great teams. That’s why we need to make sure we keep striving to get better. If we take our foot off the gas, we’re not going to be in the frame.”

Middlesex and Nottinghamshire visit Scarborough for Championship matches on July 3 and August 23 respectively.

Ten of Yorkshire’s NatWest T20 Blast fixtures are floodlit, including both Roses matches on Friday June 3 (away) and Friday July 1.

The two counties also meet under lights at Emirates Old Trafford on Wednesday June 15 in the RL50 (Royal London One-Day Cup).

“Roses matches define a lot of players, so to have them back in the longer form is great,” added four-day captain Andrew Gale.

“You always want to play against Lancashire. It’s one of the first fixtures you look for. I think all the lads will be excited about those games.”