Jason Gillespie and Yorkshire target County title hat-trick

Yorkshire will go into 2016 hoping to become the first team for 48 years to win the County Championship title three seasons in a row.

The White Rose county open their campaign with a home match against Hampshire next April, and coach Jason Gillespie believes Durham are possibly their biggest rivals in their bid to claim a hat-trick of crowns.

Speaking to Sky Sports News HQ on Wednesday, Gillespie named four counties who he feels will provide Yorkshire with their toughest challenge next season: "We always have a great rivalry with Durham. Up here in the north they are a good side.

"Lancashire are back in Division One, Warwickshire always give us a tough game and Middlesex have beaten us a couple times in recent seasons. They'll be tough."

And he believes the Headingley-based team will be up for the battles ahead, saying: "We've had a fantastic couple of years. The desire is there to try and repeat the success that we've had.

"The lads are back training and working really hard. They've got drive and desire to do it again.

"The early part of the season is really heavy and that will be a real challenge for everyone. There is always a lot of cricket to be played early on."

Next year will witness a change in the rules regarding the pre-match toss for four-day county fixtures.

For the 2016 competition, the visiting captain will be offered the opportunity of bowling first. If he declines, the toss will take place as normal. But if he accepts, there will be no toss.

On this radical change, Gillespie added: "It's an interesting decision. The committee have decided they want to try something different.

"Andrew Fogarty, our head groundsman, always tries to prepare pitches that have good bounce and carry, and will help the seamers and spinners.

The lads are back training and working really hard. They've got drive and desire to do it again.

"We are comfortable with the change. We always look to bat first at Headingley in any case, and will have the option when we play away if we want to bowl. It could be a positive."

Yorkshire will go into the new campaign having secured the services of all-rounder David Willey from Northamptonshire.

Talking about his new signing, Gillespie went on: "It's a massive coup for us. David is excited. He will complement our 50-over and 20-over sides.

"David has a burning desire to play Test cricket and he feels he can further develop his game here at Yorkshire. We're delighted he has decided to join us."