Captain Andrew Gale insists Yorkshire can be a real force in this year’s inaugural Clydesdale Bank 40-over tournament as they prepare for their opener against Essex Eagles tomorrow.

The 26-year-old will lead his side into the clash at Chelmsford looking to become the first skipper in eight years to pick up some one-day silverware.

“We will play attacking cricket,” said Gale, who has announced a 15-man squad for the contest, which is due to get underway at 1.45pm.

Gerard Brophy will take over as wicket-keeper while Ben Sanderson, Azeem Rafiq and Richard Pyrah also join up with the team that has been down south for the Championship match at Kent.

Tim Bresnan and Ajmal Shahzad will not be involved though as they will be with the England squad ahead of the World Twenty20.

This year, the 40-over competition will see teams split into three groups, with only the winners guaranteed a spot in the semi-finals.