Fin Bean, Yorkshire’s new opener, has reflected on a key innings in his career and in the county’s season.
Bean, 20-years-old, scored an impressive 42 on day two of the Roses LV= Insurance County Championship match, his debut innings in first-class cricket.
The left-hander has already posted a higher score of note this season, a record-breaking 441 in a second-team Championship draw against Nottinghamshire in late June.
However, these runs against a title-chasing Lancashire attack on a weather-interrupted day two at Emirates Old Trafford come with heightened importance, Yorkshire closing on 130-4 in their first-innings reply to 276.
“In the second team, I needed a big score to get a contract,” said the York CC product. “But this innings shows that I can play at this level, which is a big thing for a young player.
“The nerves were going, but it was good to get out there with Lythy, who I’ve watched.
“It was good to get a few games in the Royal London to break me into first-team cricket. I wasn’t really expecting to be playing here, but I got the nod and have thankfully done alright.
“It was nice to be out there to see where I need to be in the future.
“It was nipping about a bit early doors, and there was a bit of variable bounce.
“The lads think the pitch has got slower, and it’s harder to score boundaries, especially when the ball has gone softer. It’s about being patient.”
Bean, who has recently signed rookie terms at Headingley until the end of next season, was watched by his father today, who saw an innings full of patience and great skill.
He hit well down the ground and square on both sides of the wicket after taking 19 balls to get off the mark.
“I like to see myself scoring all around the ground,” he said.
When asked about his preference in terms of position in the batting order, he said: “I’ve grown up as an opener, but I batted at three in the white ball stuff. I’m quite flexible where I bat, so I’m not too bothered.”
And on Yorkshire’s action plan heading into day three in Manchester, he added: “It’s just about building partnerships.”
