Yorkshire bowler Matthew Fisher has spoken of his pride at being handed his first-team cap by Yorkshire after helping the side enjoy an encouraging opening day against Gloucestershire at Headingley.
Fisher claimed 4-45 from 12 overs as Gloucester were bowled out for 190. ??Yorkshire then replied with 80-3 as they bid to secure the 10 points which will seal Division One cricket for the 2023 LV= Insurance County Championship summer.
Fisher was playing his first first-team game since April following a stress fracture of his back.
The day started with him capped alongside Jonny Tattersall, the Yorkshire captain.
Steve Patterson conducted a presentation witnessed by the families of both players.
“It’s incredible that there’s more people who’ve played for England than there’s been caps for Yorkshire,” said the 24-year-old. “It’s miles less.
“It’s an incredible feeling that there’s been 191 players capped in the history of the club and I’m one of them.
“I’m buzzing. I’m so grateful to everyone who’s helped me along the way, family and coaches and stuff. I owe them a lot. I’ve had a few messages, and it will be nice to send them some pictures of the cap and say, ‘You’ve helped on the journey’.
“But I’m also proud of myself. There’s been tough times, but I’m proud of my resilience and desire to get on the field.”
Fisher took the new ball from the Howard Stand End but only bowled two overs before returning shortly afterwards for a devastating five-over burst from the Kirkstall Lane End, which yielded four wickets.
“Tatts was really good in thinking that end (Howard Stand) wasn’t doing as much and it was really slow,” he said. “I haven’t got many overs, so he was like, ‘Let’s make sure we use them at the right end’.
“It was a good collective performance today from the lads. We all know our roles in this attack.”
Fisher is limited to how many overs he can bowl this week as part of his back to bowling plan. He was keeping the exact number close to his chest for tactical purposes, but explained: “It’s just on how many overs I’m allowed to bowl in a week. Today has gone perfectly to plan.
“I feel like I bowled wicket balls today rather than being consistent around an area. My lengths were a bit full and short. But, in between, there were some good balls. I’ll take it.
“To be able to get on a roll and not let them off was pleasing. Being ultra-critical, we could have bowled them out for 150. But we’ll take it.
“We just need a couple of good partnerships. At Headingley, it’s really important you don’t lose four or five wickets with the new ball, or you could lose the game.
“I feel like we’ve faced quite a few overs for only three down. That goes a long way to helping the lower order. Hopefully we build a couple of good partnerships. If we can get 250 or beyond, that will be massive.
“But from what Lythy said it’s one of the best batting wickets he’s seen in his entire career here. So we’ll see.”
Fisher said it was the “original plan” to return for this game.
He added: “There was a bit of chat about getting back for the Oval. When I got my wickets (six in the second team) at Blackpool, I thought there would be a chance. But fair play to the medical staff. They stuck to the plan.
“I feel good from today, I have done for the last couple of weeks. But I’ll be a lot happier when the game’s done and I’ve got my overs in and we’ve got, hopefully, a good result.”
