As we count down to the start of the new season, in our weekly feature, we look back at some of Yorkshire’s highlights throughout last summer, be it great wins or memorable individual performances……
Yorkshire’s top order had started their Royal London one-day Cup campaign in fine style, with big runs coming from Tom Kohler-Cadmore and Che Pujara.
Adam Lyth had also chipped in with some useful cameos to help build imposing totals even though Yorkshire’s group campaign had been more stop than start with two defeats, a win and a No Result so far.
Just when they needed a win against Leicestershire at Grace Road in late May, Lyth stepped up to add a superb unbeaten 132 to previous three-figure scores from Kohler-Cadmore and Pujara, or Pepsi and Steve if you want to use dressing room nicknames.
Lyth loves batting at Grace Road.
In 2012, he carried his bat for a big double hundred in a Championship win there to help seal promotion in Jason Gillespie’s first season.
In recent summers, the left-hander has been one of Yorkshire’s most consistent white ball performers, and he showed just why to anchor what in the end was a routine chase of 294.
He shared an unbroken 153 for the first wicket with Kohler-Cadmore, their fourth successive opening stand above 70, and an unbroken 142 for the second wicket with Pujara. Kohler-Cadmore hit 74 and Pujara 75 not out in a nine-wicket victory completed with 3.3 overs to spare.
It was a much needed two points just beyond halfway in the group stages and significantly boosted the county’s net run-rate as they chased knockout qualification, something that was later achieved.
Lyth hit 15 fours and two sixes in 127 balls, reaching 50 off 36 and 100 off 96, the fourth of his career.
Leicestershire’s bowling attack may not have been the most potent, but they were given a target to work with through a trio of half-centuries from Australian Mark Cosgrove, Ned Eckersley and Neil Dexter.
Matthew Fisher claimed three wickets for the Vikings during his first appearance of the season having suffered a side injury during a pre-season clash at the same venue.
A few days later, Fisher would have a significant impact on Yorkshire’s RL50 progression with bat in hand.
