Test veteran Dominic Cork has described Yorkshire star Ajmal Shahzad as "just what England need".

The 39-year-old Hampshire all-rounder played 39 Tests for his country and is in the perfect position to assess the credentials of England's current crop of bowlers as an opponent.

He is facing Shahzad and Tim Bresnan in the ongoing LV= County Championship match at Headingley, in which a draw looks most likely ahead of the final day.

Only 39.5 overs were possible yesterday due to rain, and Yorkshire closed on 62 for three from 20.2 overs of their second innings. The hosts lead by 185 runs.

Cork watched Shahzad complete only his second five-wicket haul in Championship cricket on Thursday morning.

He said: "He is definitely someone who can perform at the highest level.

"You've seen here that he can still cause problems on a wicket that isn't very quick. He swings it both ways and he's got everything going for him.

"It's down to him and whether he can perform day in and day out to get himself into that Test side. He's obviously worked hard on his fitness and he's a very well-tuned athlete."

Shahzad returned figures of five for 65 from 21.3 overs on Thursday to help bowl the visitors out for 232 in reply to Yorkshire's first innings 355.

He had Kabir Ali caught at third-man by Steve Patterson after Ryan Sidebottom had Cork caught at cover by Joe Root and bowled Nic Pothas. Bresnan also trapped Danny Briggs after the visitors had started the day at 189 for six.

Yorkshire, starting their second innings with a lead of 123, then reached 56 for three from 17 overs when the rain came at 2.20pm.

Shahzad, who will play for the Lions next week against Sri Lanka, is behind Bresnan, Steve Finn and Chris Tremlett for the third seamer's spot in the bowling attack for the first Test at Cardiff later this month.

Cork added: "It's good to see that England have a good stock of bowlers who are all performing well, and there's a lot of bowlers out there competing for the places up for grabs. It will be a difficult decision for the selectors."

Cork struck twice with the ball in Yorkshire's second innings, having both Adam Lyth and Joe Root (31) caught behind by Pothas.

Joe Sayers also went in identical fashion off the bowling of David Griffiths.

When the players returned at 5.20pm, a further 3.2 overs were bowled before the rain returned to signal an early close.

There is still enough time for Yorkshire to force a win today, but Andrew Gale and Jonny Bairstow will need to bat with intent during the morning to give their bowlers time to bowl Hampshire out.

Gerard Brophy said: "If we can bat for an hour or two and get a lead close to 300, it gives us every chance."

Yorkshire then face Kent in the Clydesdale Bank 40 competition at Headingley tomorrow (13.45pm).