Ben Coad is confident Yorkshire can wrap up a first win of the season tomorrow morning, against Sussex at Hove.
Sussex are 149 runs ahead with seven wickets in hand heading into day three.
Coad claimed three wickets today in the hosts’ 194-7.
Yorkshire had to work hard for their wickets today, in improving batting conditions, and that is a large reason why the new ball seamer is in chipper mood regarding their chances.
“It’s been a pretty good day,” he said.
“We would have liked to get a few more runs this morning and a bigger lead.
“But we started well with the ball. A couple of early wickets were great, and I felt like we were a bit unlucky with a few things not going to hand, a few decisions not going our way. We stuck at it really well, though.
“The period immediately after tea was awesome. They didn’t go anywhere, and we picked up a few wickets. We have the new ball around the corner, and the lead is only 150. If we start well in the morning, there’s no reason why we can’t win this game comfortably.”
Sussex head coach Paul Farbrace spoke at close and said his side would be happy with a lead of 180.
“The pitch is definitely better, and if you get through the new ball you can score runs against the softer ball. There’s definitely a bit of nip, but I’d back us to get 180,” said Coad. “I mean, we got 195 and it was more difficult batting in the first innings.
“I’d back us to get anything around 200 and just over.”
Coad received good back-up from his bowling colleagues and added:“There were a lot of hard yards.
“It was quite hot out there – humid and sweaty. But there were some real shifts – George up the hill, Tommo, Rev bowled beautifully and was unlucky. Leechy as well.
“Had we had a bit more luck, we could have had them out already. But we stuck at it.”
Coad, meanwhile, left the field two balls into his 19th over with a stiff back this evening, an issue which will be assessed overnight to see if he can bowl in the morning.
