Full caps for Shahzad and Wainwright

Left-arm spinner David Wainwright, also a useful batsman, has been awarded his full county cap, along with Ajmal Shahzad

Yorkshire have awarded Ajmal Shahzad and David Wainwright full county caps on the eve of the new season.

The Yorkshire-born pair have established themselves for the White Rose over the last few seasons.

Shahzad, a fast bowling all-rounder who made his senior England debut this winter, is the first British-born Asian to represent Yorkshire.

Left-arm spinner Wainwright, who is also a useful batsman, was a member of the England Lions squad that played in the United Arab Emirates in February.

Both were Group B members of the England Performance Programme announced last autumn, for players perceived to be one to three years away from the England team.

Yorkshire director of professional cricket Martyn Moxon said: “Ajmal and David fully deserve their county caps. It is an exceptionally special moment for any Yorkshire player and they should both be immensely proud.

“Of course, this is just another step along the way to what we all hope will be two illustrious Yorkshire careers.

“They are both terrific men and can be proud of what they've already achieved. However, wearing that cap brings added responsibility too, and they must now be even more determined to bring success to Headingley Carnegie.”