Gary Ballance makes his return to Yorkshire for the first time since racism allegations

Yorkshire batter Gary Ballance is back in action for Yorkshire for the first time since Azeem Rafiq's racism allegations. 

The 32-year-old was included in the Yorkshire Second Eleven game against Essex, which started on Monday (July 4) at Weetwood Sports Ground in Leeds.

Ballance was charged by the Cricket Disciplinary Commission last month as part of the investigation into alleged racism at Yorkshire County Cricket Club.

He admitted that he directed a racial slur towards Azeem Rafiq and publicly apologized for it. Ballance admitted his use of the word "P*aki" in a lengthy statement back in November and said he 'deeply regrets' it. 

He also insisted 'no malice was intended' by his use of the slur, and claimed it was 'a situation where best friends said offensive things to each other'.

He continued to play for Yorkshire all these years and is contracted to the club till 2024. He last played for Yorkshire against Warwickshire in September last year and has yet to make an appearance for the first eleven in any format this season. 

Ballance had taken a break from the game and pulled out of a pre-season tour of the United Arab Emirates earlier this summer.

Darren Gough gives warm welcome to Ballance

However, Yorkshire's interim managing director of cricket, Darren Gough, had confirmed earlier this year that Ballance would stay at the club and be a part of "an inclusive and welcoming environment."

"It was a difficult situation with Gary," Gough told the Daily Mail. 

He was disciplined by the club; he admitted the use of racist language and apologized for it

"It's crucial all forms of discrimination are eradicated from our game and society and we talked to Gary about his actions and behaviour. He understands and he's educating himself," Gough added. 

Ballance's last international game for England was back in 2017, and now is suspended from representing England. 

The ECB has charged him along with six others - former England internationals Michael Vaughan, Matthew Hoggard, Tim Bresnan, Andrew Gale, Richard Pyrah and John Blain.