Depleted Tykes riles Illingworth

Illingworth was not happy with Yorkshire's policy

Yorkshire's decision to field a weakened side in their County Championship defeat by Surrey has been condemned by former England captain Ray Illingworth.

Illingworth said his former club were "taking the mickey" by resting some of the the county's best players.

Darren Gough, Darren Lehmann and Craig White all missed the match for the newly-crowned county champions who slumped to an innings and 46-run defeat at The Oval.

Illingworth believes by putting out a depleted side they had demeaned the two-tier championship and suggested the England and Wales Cricket Board should investigate.

It's unfair on the other strugglers to play a weakened team in a game like this

Ray Illingworth

He told Yorkshire Sport: "Was I the only one who was surprised when Yorkshire announced their team for the Surrey game last week?

"It was a vital game in the division because of Surrey's precarious position and, irrespective of the final outcome, Yorkshire were obliged to field their strongest side.

"I'm sure some of the counties will have looked at Yorkshire and thought they were taking the mickey.

"It's unfair on the other strugglers to play a weakened team in a game like this, and it wouldn't surprise me if the ECB weren't keeping an eye on it.

"I've nothing against the odd bloke coming in. But Yorkshire made several changes and that isn't right or fair."