I think there have been a few players over the years who may have played for Yorkshire and been to school in Harro (gate) - Peter Squires perhaps and a young fast bowler whose name escapes me from a few years back (Broadhurst or Houseman perhaps?)
The great F. S. Jackson played for Harrow (where a certain W.L.S. Churchill was his fag), before heading off to Cambridge University, Yorkshire and England. In the last-mentioned of these roles, his Test average is the third-best among Yorkshiremen (after Sutcliffe and Hutton and before Boycott).
Gary Ballance, as many people know, is from Zimbabwe, where his uncle, David Houghton, captained their Test team and I believe still holds the record for the highest Test score by a Zimbabwean. In 2006 Gary played for their Under-19 team against England. Does anyone know if he has British citizenship?
What "plans?" He hasn't played very little so far. Surely he's ready for more action. I recall he made 98 in his first appearance when he was with Derbyshire. I don't see much play in the current YCCC lineup for Ballance.
part of the deal when he joined YCCC was to do his studies at Leeds Met (think Bairstow is doing likewise) - perhaps he is a longer term investment and focusing on his studies in the short term?
With our relatively set batting order, its hard to see how Ballance (or several of the youngsters) will get much playing time. I can't see him sticking around for another season of Second XI status.
Why wouldn't he be around next season? He's just signed an extension until the end of 2012, along with Hannon-Dalby, Lee & Sanderson. I think he is looking good to get a few games next year - especially in one day cricket.