Yorkshire's leading strike bowler, Chris Silverwood, is to spend a spell in the seconds with the aim of boosting his fitness and get back to top pace, writes David Warner.

As a result, Silverwood turns out for the Second XI today in their three-day encounter with the MCC at High Wycombe and misses tomorrow's first home Championship match of the season against Somerset at Headingley.

Silverwood, 30, had an operation at the end of last summer to repair a damaged ankle which caused him to play in only seven of the 16 Championship matches in the 2004 campaign.

He has played a full part in Yorkshire's pre-season training programme but there has still been soreness in his ankle and against Essex at Chelmsford last week he failed to claim a wicket in 21 overs off a shorter run-up.

Because of his reduced speed, Silverwood was not included in the totesport League thriller at The Oval on Sunday and Yorkshire's director of cricket, David Byas, has acted quickly in a bid to sharpen up his most senior fast bowler.

"Chris has had no cricket since last July and it is a big ask for him to come straight back and bowl flat out," said Byas. "I would say he was about 80 per cent against Essex but he can now build up to full pace in the second team."