Picture by Allan McKenzie/SWPix.com. Anthony McGrath praised the captaincy of Dom Bess amongst other things after today’s win over Durham.
Anthony McGrath hailed his Yorkshire players and said they could look back on their week at York as a job very well done.
Wins have come against Worcestershire on Wednesday and Durham today, leaving the White Rose on the verge of securing a knockout berth for next month.
Sixteen points from five games, they may well finish today on top of Group B ahead of Sunday’s opponents at Lord’s, Middlesex.
On Wednesday, Yorkshire bowled Worcestershire out for 230 and chased to win by six wickets. Will Luxton headlined that win with a superb 117 after the wickets were shared around.
Today, the wickets were shared around again, although Ben Cliff claimed four of them in Durham’s 165 all out. James Wharton and Sam Whiteman then both hit unbeaten fifties.
Head coach McGrath said: “I think we looked at these two games as pretty pivotal, really. Worcestershire as reigning champions and Durham with a very, very strong team out.
“We knew it was going to be tough. More than anything, I’m just delighted with how we’ve approached the week.
“We’ve played two very different games but two very good chases. We’ve beaten two teams comfortably in the end.
“The bowling and fielding has been outstanding. Right from ball one, we set the tone.
“We’re also making a lot of strides in terms of chasing targets in different ways, from down at Neath last week to here on quite a slow pitch. Guys are standing up and being accountable. And different people too. It’s been really nice to see that.”
While Wharton and Whiteman led the way with the bat, England Under 19s star Will Bennison came in at 5-2 and helped calm things down with 36, including navigating the threat posed by a certain Ben Stokes.
McGrath continued: “A special mention to Will, because he’s not got the runs in the competition he would like. But I think you saw his calmness today. I thought that partnership with Wharts really set up that win.
“When you’re chasing a small total – 5-2 – there’s a few wobbles. But it didn’t look like that out there.
“I thought our running was outstanding today. We put them under the pump.
“I think maybe last year, particularly T20, but 50-overs as well, when lost wickets, you could try and hit your way out of trouble. But there was a calmness there. From two young players, it was really nice to see.
“Last year, we leaned on Imam quite a lot, particularly with the bat. Milnesy probably with the ball. But, this year, what’s been really nice is there’s been different stars each time.
“We have to be smart with the seam department, bigger picture for later in the season. But when the guys have come in, they’ve hit the ground running. Ben Coad’s been outstanding up front with George Hill.
“And we’ve managed to get wickets in the middle – Cliffy and Kuldeep, whose absolute class.
“Also a special mention to Bessy with how he’s captained.
“He’s been really smart with the overs, held the wicket-takers back. And when there’s been a partnership, we’ve managed to get wickets.
“That’s helped controlling the run-rate.”
