Ottis Gibson says Yorkshire were always confident of safety, despite being on the wrong end of the cricket played during the Roses game against Lancashire at Headingley, which finished today.
The county’s coach admitted Lancashire “dominated” the fifth round LV= Insurance County Championship fixture, which Yorkshire saved having been made to follow-on shortly before midday on day four.
“Over the course of the four days, they dominated it for large parts of the game,” said Gibson, the former West Indies seamer who reflected on a fourth successive Division One draw.
“We’re happy to walk away with an honourable draw, but it’s been a tough four days for us.
“We just had a little chat in the dressing room, and even though we were dominated we didn’t feel at any stage like we were going to lose the game.”
Lancashire posted 566-9 declared having been 12-2 on day one.
Keaton Jennings was the standout player in the match with 238, though Joe Root responded with a first-innings 147 and Harry Brook continued his outstanding start to the season with an unbeaten 82 in the second innings, ultimately sealing a 12-point haul.
“I’ve said before that our Achilles heel has been our catching. That cost us dearly. We dropped Keaton on two and he got 240. He took advantage and made us pay,” said Gibson.
“Brooky has been exceptional all year, and everybody is very excited when Joe comes back to play for us. He’s the best batter in the world for a reason.
“Even though they had 500 on the board or whatever, if you’ve paid your money to sit and watch Joe bat – especially yesterday, the way he played – you felt like you’ve walked away and got your money’s worth.”
Unbeaten Yorkshire, who won the opening game of the season, play champions Warwickshire at Headingley on Thursday – the last Championship fixture before a break for the start of the Vitality Blast.
“I’ve just asked the lads for one more great effort in the next game to see if we can try and finish this block six with a win,” he said.
“If we were to have two wins and four draws in this six-game period, that’s probably a good return for the sort of cricket we’ve played.”
Gibson revealed that he may try and freshen up his bowling attack for the Bears’ visit, with rested Matthew Revis a potential to come back in. He is also considering resting wicketkeeper Harry Duke.
“I’m really pleased with Dukey, the work he’s doing and so on,” he said.
“He’s missed a couple of chances, but his batting and his general out-cricket has been fantastic. His attitude is excellent.
“We have to continue to develop him, and we also have to look at whether he needs a break as well because he’s a young kid who we are asking a lot of. But I’m very pleased with what he’s been doing for us.”
Yorkshire have a number of injuries to contend with at the moment; Matthew Fisher (back), Ben Coad (hamstring), Dom Leech (rib) and Tom Kohler-Cadmore (concussion).
Updating their respective situations, Gibson added: “Fish, initially I’d said four weeks. But further reports from the medical team seems to suggest that’s going to be a slower process than anticipated. Because of his injury history, we’re going to have to take a more cautious approach with him.
“Coady, hopefully – and I’ve said hopefully before, will be alright in two weeks or so. He’s not going to be ready for the four-day game on Thursday, which gives him an opportunity to have a bit of a longer recovery period.
“Leechy is in the same situation. He’s started his back to bowling programme, but he’s at least two weeks away.
“Tom has played a couple of games in the seconds and is getting closer and closer. Hopefully he’ll be available for all cricket in the next couple of weeks.”
Root is available to face Warwickshire.
