YORKSHIRE captain Steve Patterson has hailed the development of Jack Shutt over the last 12 months, as the off-spinner prepares to make his first-class debut this weekend.

Assuming there are no last minute dramas, Shutt will begin Yorkshire’s Bob Willis Trophy campaign against Durham at Emirates Riverside, starting tomorrow.

The 23-year-old took 10 wickets in seven Vitality Blast matches last summer, including a stunning 5-11 in a victory against Durham at the Riverside.

“Jack’s done really well, both last summer and over the winter,” said Patterson, who will take a 13-man squad to the North East.

“It’s no secret that we’ve all been really impressed with his development.”

Shutt has benefitted from the unavailability of international spinners Keshav Maharaj and Ravi Ashwin, who had been signed to fulfil the county’s overseas spot in the regular County Championship.

The coronavirus pandemic means they are no longer coming to Emerald Headingley this summer.

It is further proof that chances to kick-start a career can often come in unexpected ways.

“Think back to Ben Coad getting his first run in the side in 2017,” continued Patterson.

“If Ryan (Sidebottom) and Brooksy (Jack Brooks) hadn’t been injured at the start of the season, he may not have played. But he got six-for against Hampshire and never looked back.

“If you look at Shutty, had Josh Poysden not got his head injury last summer, he might not have ended up playing in the T20s. But he did, and he grabbed his chance with both hands.

“I think he’s grown in confidence since then, and we’re delighted with his development.

“We talk about this being a different season for many reasons, but one is that there’s no overseas players. We’re certainly not bringing one over anyway.

“That gives another spinner, in this case Shutty, the opportunity to play, something they may not have had if Ashwin or Maharaj had been here.

“It’s the same with any young player in our squad. If they get an opportunity, it’s up to them to make it count. Decisions going forward reflect performances, etc, etc.

“This shortened season we’re having and the lack of availability of overseas and a few England players, it’s going to give more players opportunities than might normally have happened.

“It’s an exciting time to get to see somebody different.”

Shutt will compete for places across both four-day and T20 cricket this summer with Poysden and James Logan - the latter nearing fitness following injury.

Adil Rashid may make some T20 appearances in September, while another leg-spinner, Josh Sullivan, is new to the professional staff.

On Shutt’s qualities, Patterson added: “First and foremost, he’s a really good lad. He’s great to have in the dressing room - a team man.

“But, especially as a captain, when you speak to somebody about how they’re going to bowl and what fields they want to set, you can tell very quickly whether somebody understands it or not.

“Some younger players, you have to encourage them along, but others know exactly what they need to do. And Shutty is good with that.

“He knows exactly what he’s trying to do, and in the Lancashire friendly game, for example, his control for 20 overs was fantastic. He bowled very few poor deliveries, if any at all. That’s a real positive quality.”

Shutt is the only spinner in Yorkshire’s squad for the Durham clash.

Gary Ballance needs more preparation time having recently been ill and is not included, but fast bowler Duanne Olivier will travel.

His build-up to the summer has been complicated by having to quarantine for a week upon his return to the UK at the start of the month after spending lockdown at home in South Africa.

Yorkshire squad: Patterson (c), Brook, Coad, Fisher, Fraine, Kohler-Cadmore, Lyth, Malan, Olivier, Shutt, Tattersall (wk), Thompson, Waite.