NOTE: Embargoed until Wednesday 7am

YORKSHIRE County Cricket Club, in association with the Yorkshire Cricket Board (YCB) and Yorkshire Cricket Foundation, have launched a taskforce to help cricket clubs that have been affected by recent flood damage.

Club captain Andrew Gale, chief executive Mark Arthur and former player Neil Hartley will spearhead the taskforce, with 19 clubs in the region having expressed an interest as they bid to return their grounds to a fit state in time for the start of the season.

“It has been a traumatic time for those communities affected by the recent floods that have shocked the region,” said Andrew Watson, YCB’s executive director.

“Andrew Gale and Mark Arthur have donated a £100 each to get the fund-raising started and we have had substantial pledges of support from the professional players at the club.

“We hope that we can encourage Yorkshire Cricket supporters across the country and beyond to dig deep and donate what they can to help these community clubs in their hour of need.”

* To donate, please visit https://www.justgiving.com/Yorkshire-Cricket-Flood-Appeal or send a cheque made payable to Yorkshire Cricket Foundation and send to the Yorkshire Cricket Floods Appeal, Yorkshire Cricket Board, Headingley Cricket Ground, Leeds, LS6 3DP (please indicate that the donation is for the Yorkshire Cricket Floods Appeal).