Gale aware of White Rose task

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Skipper Andrew Gale admits Yorkshire face the daunting prospect of needing to win their three remaining Champions League T20 Group B matches to reach the next phase.

The White Rose, having moved through the preliminary qualification stage, endured a poor start in the competition proper as they were crushed by eight wickets against Sydney Sixers yesterday.

The effects of that defeat were certainly felt by Gale, who is aware their subsequent net run-rate means victories over Mumbai Indians, Chennai Super Kings and Lions seem essential.

Gale, however, is not fazed by such a seemingly impossible task, insisting that the quality of Yorkshire's sprint-format cricket in recent times offers plenty of cause for optimism.

When asked whether his side needed to win all three of their remaining group games to qualify, Gale added: "Yes, definitely.

Speaking about Mitchell Starc, pictured, Andrew Gale said: "It wouldn't surprise me if he became the world's number one bowler in the short form"

"But the way we have played Twenty20 cricket recently, I would back us to win three out of three.

"I think we have played 19 Twenty20 games since the start of the season and it was the first game really that has not gone to the last over or ball. We've got nothing to be ashamed of.

"We've come a long way in a short period of time in Twenty20 cricket. Although we are pretty down at the moment, we've got to pick ourselves up.

"We have still got three games left in the group phase and we can learn some valuable lessons from (the loss)."

While it is easy to understand Gale's faith - Yorkshire last season rose from the doldrums in the shortest form to reach the final of the Friends Life t20 - yesterday's loss offered few signs of hope.

The White Rose managed just 96 for nine with the bat - a total that was overhauled by the Sixers for the loss of just two wickets and with 11.1 overs to spare.

"We did not make good decisions," Gale admitted. "We tried to hit the ball a bit too square when we were batting but they adapted to the conditions very quickly.

"We should've played straighter and been cleverer to knock the ball around a bit and run them ragged in the field as opposed to trying to go too hard."

One of the stars for Sydney was Mitchell Starc, who played for Yorkshire in England's domestic competition this summer.

The left-arm paceman claimed 3-22 for the Australian franchise and Gale could not help but feel envious of the Australian's for having him in their side.

"He is a great lad and a great talent and I wish he had been bowling for us today and not them," said Gale.

"He is definitely one to look out for in the future and it wouldn't surprise me if he became the world's number one bowler in the short form."

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