“I think we bowled really well in parts and then, at times, sort of let off a bit of momentum. But you can’t fault our efforts. We grafted all day there.”
That was George Hill’s summary of day two at the Kia Oval after the in-form seamer returned 4-58 as Surrey, in reply to Yorkshire’s 255 all out, reached the halfway stage of this Rothesay County Championship match at 384-7, leading by 129.
County champions Surrey have the ascendency as they aim for a second win of the season at the sixth attempt.
Australian overseas batter Kurtis Patterson posted 85 and Ben Foakes just usurped him with 86, two classy innings compiled at either end of a hard-fought day.
“That was Division One cricket,” said Hill. “That’s probably the easiest way to look at that day.
“It was tough, and they’re obviously a very good side.
“Foakes and Patterson played very well, actually. They very much put our lengths and lines under pressure all day.
“They hit the bad ball on a wicket that potentially got a little bit slower. There’s still a bit of nip there, but if you bowl a pie or miss your length by a little bit, it definitely can go to the boundary.
“Thankfully they’re both out now, and hopefully we can get those three quick wickets early on tomorrow morning.”
Yorkshire are clearly going to have to bat well if they are to leave South London with a positive result, but they know first hand what can be achieved. Essex showed that against them during the final day at Chelmsford on Monday.
Hill said: “The batters we’ve got, Lythy for one – he’s awesome, and other lads are due some runs like myself.
“If we can get their bowlers into their third and fourth spells in the hot weather, then hopefully we can keep them out as long as possible and wear them down.”
