ALEX LEES has described Yorkshire as T20 underdogs, but the Vikings captain insists they have the players to make an impression in this summer’s NatWest Blast.

The county open their North Group campaign against Leicestershire Foxes at Headingley tomorrow (7pm).

It will be Lees’ first competitive game in charge since taking over as full-time limited overs skipper in the winter, and he says it will be a proud moment.

Yorkshire will be without injured David Willey and Matthew Fisher for the clash with the Foxes, who won a pre-season friendly clash in Dubai in March.

“They are obviously big blows for us, but we can’t do anything about that now,” said Lees.

“I think we’ve got the strength in depth and the quality of players to win games.

“We’ll be going in with an air of confidence, but I’m sure we’ll be underdogs.

“The last couple of years we’ve been really poor, so looking at it that way, it’s an obvious comment. But we don’t mind that.

“There’s no reason why we can’t get a good run together.

“Hopefully at the start of the competition, we can get a few decent results and we can turn around that perception from the outside.

“Who knows, we could be a top-four outfit. I strongly believe we have the players to achieve that.”

Leicestershire lost their North Group opener against Northamptonshire last Friday.

But Lees said: “I think they’re a really dangerous side. We played them out in Dubai, and they are really organised.

“They’re a young side who know what they’re doing. I think they will be a really good team this year and not to be taken lightly.

“We have the strength to beat them, but on their day they will beat anybody.”

Lees, 23, has captained Yorkshire on eleven occasions across all formats since 2014, but tomorrow will no doubt feel different for the left-handed batsman.

“I have captained a little bit now, but my first game as the official captain is something that I will always remember. Hopefully we start off with a win,” he added.

“I’m very proud of the fact that they’ve given me the responsibility.

“The first few games, I’m particularly looking forward to. I’m also looking forward to my first game Roses game as captain.

“I don’t think there’s a much bigger rivalry than that, and it will be a really nice moment.”

Yorkshire have announced that the home Roses clash on July 1 is now a sell out. The teams meet at Emirates Old Trafford next Friday.

Meanwhile, Jason Gillespie has denied reports he is in advanced discussions to take on the job of Cricket Australia’s new bowling coach.

“Just to be absolutely clear, I have not spoken to CA about a role with the Australian cricket team,” he said.

“Darren (Lehmann) mentioned my name in a radio interview a while back (in April) re: me being involved, so it stands to reason that I will be linked to certain positions.

“Bear in mind I have not applied for any role with CA, nor do I intend to. I am currently very happy in my roles with Yorkshire and the Adelaide Strikers.

“Travel time away from my family is a massive issue for me. I’m unsure whether it is something I can come to terms with at this point.”