Dom Bess has hailed Yorkshire’s resilience as they get ready for the final victory push on day four at Hove.
Bess was the county’s third day star with his maiden five-wicket haul in White Rose colours, as Sussex closed on 136-6 chasing 235.
On loan from Somerset in 2019, he signed permanently at Emerald Headingley ahead of this summer.
But he had not taken a wicket in almost two and a half games before removing Tom Haines in the first innings.
Today, he was rewarded for previous endeavours with 5-33 from 22 overs, helping Yorkshire close in on a second away Championship win in as many weeks after last week’s triumph at Kent.
Yorkshire had been bowled out for 150 in the first innings, only to fight back superbly to put themselves within four wickets of a 19-point haul.
“As a spectator, it’s been a really good game. It’s tossed and turned,” said the off-spinner.
“I think we were on the back foot this morning.
“We were effectively 95-5. But we got the target to 235 with some good partnerships at the bottom. Good sides make that happen.
“It was really important to get past 200.
“We have some really experienced guys out there, Dave Willey, Patto, Rooty, Gary (Ballance). I would also say I’m experienced in terms of playing on spinning wickets.
“It’s really important for us to stay disciplined, soak up boundaries and not give them loose balls. If we take our chances tomorrow, we’ll be in for a great shout.
“I’ve been in games at Taunton where 99 feels like 150.
“When you get a new batter in there, it’s very difficult in this situation. When you are putting pressure on the batters, I know how tough it is.”
Bess certainly did not deserve to be kept waiting until this week for his first wicket as a permanent Yorkshire player. He was especially impressive in the second innings at Canterbury last week.
“I think I was none for about 300!” he laughed.
“But I was determined to remain patient, and I stuck to my word.
“When I came back from India, my big thing was to make sure I put in performances for Yorkshire.
“It’s started spinning, so I know I’ve got to take more poles than the seamers usually would.
“But I don’t see it as an individual thing, I see it as a team thing.
“If that means me not taking any wickets and going at two an over for the seamers to pick up more, that’s fine. Then, when it starts spinning and is in my favour, it’s about taking wickets.
“It’s just about me being consistent over a long period of time, build the pressure and force the batters to make errors.”
Bess has been bowling through a cartilage injury below his ribs, something he suffered whilst fielding late on day one.
He admitted it remains sore and is prohibitive when throwing. But, when asked whether he will be fit for Thursday’s clash with Northamptonshire at Emerald Headingley, he added: “Don’t you worry about that. I will be fit and firing.”
