Yorkshire

At the start of the season Yorkshire were widely tipped for relegation. A young, inexperienced squad with a green captain there seemed to be cause for concern. The side, however have silenced the critics and proved that with a mixture of youth talent, experience and teamwork the White Rose could be more than competitive.

Going into the final day of the championship Yorkshire had every chance of clinching the title. Indeed had the side shown greater discipline batting on the final day against the already relegated Kent and secured victory the title would have returned to Headingley. Excellent form in the Pro40 too saw the side reach the semi-final stages, only to be defeated by the weather and Ian Bell's Warwickshire.

Yorkshire have made great strides forward this season with such a young side (only former England all rounder Anthony McGrath and wicketkeeper batsman Gerard Brophy are over 30) and the future looks bright. The number of players included in the England squads this winter implies that the national selectors agree.

Top of the Order - Adam Lyth

In his first full season of county cricket Lyth has been a revelation and his inclusion in the England performance squad heading for Australia this winter is a real recognition of his great talent. Lyth is a batsman who does not like to hang around and his 1,509 runs at 52.03 have been scored at a good rate. This positive approach has given Yorkshire a good start throughout the season and such an attacking option opening the innings reflects the approach of captain Andrew Gale and his side have adopted in all forms of cricket.

Best Bowling - Adil Rashid

Rashid has been left by England following a number of inconclusive outings at the top level this season to develop. This is certainly a wise move as the 22 year old with such promising talent learns the art of leg spin bowling. Yorkshire will be pleased to have him in their ranks as 57 wickets at 31.29 have provided an attacking option and complemented the developing seam attack well.

Rising Star - Adam Lyth

Lyth will be honoured with the recognition he has received from the PCA, picking up the 'Young Player of the Year' award to add to a similar honour from his county. With the retirement of former England captain Michael Vaughan mid way through 2009 Lyth has grasped the opportunity to enjoy a prolonged run in the first team with both hands. Not an opener by trade he has not let this put him off and has earned not only his county cap but the right to be one of the first names put down on any Yorkshire team sheet for some time to come.

A Year to Forget - Joe Sayers

The opener often compared to Geoffrey Boycott due to his conservative style has had a season blighted by illness. A championship specialist, Sayers only managed eight games and 376 runs before an unfortunate affliction which has left him weak and without the energy to play put an end to his summer. Making a steady recover Sayers, who harbours a desire to play international cricket, will look for a full and fruitful season in 2011.

Star Man - Jacques Rudolph

The former South African batsman has continued his fantastic form for Yorkshire. Since signing as a kolpak player in 2007 he has consistently scored large volumes of runs. A further 1,375 at 50.92 add yet more to this sizable tally. Excellent work in the longer form of the game is mirrored that in limited overs. His 755 runs in 12 Pro40 games at 94.37 has earned the middle order batsman a place in the record books, becoming the highest runs scorer in a season for the White Rose county. In his three years at Yorkshire Rudolph has been a fantastic influence and a true ambassador for the game both on and off the field. His departure to concentrate on his family in South Africa will leave an enormous void in the Yorkshire dressing room and one which, with a commitment to young, home grown talent, will not be filled immediately. The batting line up at Headingley will be fragile next summer but if the young talent continues to develop there is great cause for optimism.