YORKSHIRE star James Wharton says he is relishing his growing role in the side.

Despite being only 23-years-old, last season Wharton began to exert himself as a key member in the Yorkshire team and he starred in their promotion-clinching draw with Northamptonshire at Headingley in September.

He hit a fantastic career best 285, writing his name into the record books in the process.

Only triple centurions Darren Lehmann, Don Bradman twice and John Edrich have scored more than the 23-year-old Huddersfield-born star in first-class matches at Headingley. 

Speaking to the T&A about his growing responsibility in the side despite his relatively young age, he said: “Yes, definitely (enjoying responsibility). If you look across our squad then you’ll see that we’re all fairly young.

“We’ve all been given opportunities to shine, and I think everyone is eager to make an impact when they get those opportunities. 

“The more chances we get, the more likely it will be for us to do well I suppose. It’s the same for everyone in the team, not just me.”

Reflecting on last season where Yorkshire secured promotion back to Division One, Wharton said: “We achieved what we wanted to achieve.

“Obviously, getting promoted was our number one priority and we did that, so it’s a really exciting time for us going into Division One and I think we’re in a good place to try and win it.

 Discussing pre-season so far, Wharton admitted: “It’s been tough; Booker’s (head of strength and conditioning Harry Booker) boot camp is well and truly back, Wharton joked.

“We’ve been doing lots of running, gym work, cycling and any other cardio you can think of.

“However, it’s been good to be back and to be able to see all of the boys again.”

He added: “The break was positive.

“Although the focus has been on fitness since our return, the coaching team are very keen about making the most of a cricket break as such.

“You’ve got your month off in October, but then it’s important to just get away from the game so that you can get fit, strong and do whatever else you need to do to get ready for the new season. You don’t want to be thinking too much about your game at this stage because we’re only in November.”

Being teammates of cricket legends such as Jonny Bairstow, Joe Root and an icon in the making in Harry Brook hasn’t quite sunk in for Wharton just yet, he admitted.

 He said: “They were my idols growing up. Obviously, they’re all Yorkshiremen and have represented England, so it’s feels quite surreal to be rubbing shoulders with them.

“We were very fortunate to have Brooky and Root at the start of last season who did really well, and then Bairstow at the end of the year to help us with our promotion push.

“Sitting with them and socialising with them, although they’ve achieved so much within the game, you realise that they are just normal blokes at the end of the day.”

Yorkshire legend Anthony McGrath was recently confirmed as men’s head coach following the departure of Otis Gibson, and Wharton admitted that there is a genuine buzz within camp about his appointment.

He said: “I met Mags when I was younger coming through the youth setup and he’s obviously a Yorkshire legend.

“But it’s been nice getting to know Mags and the rest of the coaching staff since they arrived, and getting to understand their plans.

“I think he (Mags) can bring a lot of things to this group. His playing and coaching career speak for itself.

“From what I’ve heard and from what I’ve seen so far, the way he carries his team could be really beneficial to us. We could be in for a really exciting year and it’s one that I’m extremely looking forward to.

“I think we wish it could be April now.”