Adam Lyth is hoping for more of the same from Jonny Bairstow as the England star looks to help save Yorkshire’s skin at the Kia Oval on day four.
As opening batsman Lyth said, Yorkshire find themselves up against it at 142-5 in their second innings, still 43 runs behind the hosts.
Day three started with Yorkshire at 40-3 in their first innings replying to 414, and Bairstow hit a superb 95 in their 229 all out.
He was full of positivity during his 94-ball stay at the crease, where he returned late in the day to finish unbeaten on 25 alongside Jack Leaning.
“Jonny batted beautifully, and if he can come out and do the same tomorrow, great,” said Lyth, who 58 in the White Rose’s second innings.
“We are behind the eight-ball in this game. We have been outplayed for the days we’ve played.
“But hopefully Jonny and Jack can put on a good partnership tomorrow and you never know.
“It’s a good pitch, although it’s taking some spin now.”
Highlights of Day 3 at The Kia Oval.
On his own knock, which marked a first fifty of the season, Lyth said: “I was really happy with the way I played, but I copped a decent nut. I would have liked to be not out tonight and piled a big score on. It wasn’t to be.
“Sam Curran bowled very well for them. The off-spinner, Virdi, did as well.
“But you never know.”
On Bairstow, he added: “It was typical Jonny this morning, and it was unfortunate he didn’t get the hundred he deserved. He played fantastically well.”
