Picture by Gareth Copley/Getty Images. Anthony McGrath spoke after today’s draw against Sussex at Hove.
Anthony McGrath says he is satisfied with an 11-point haul from Yorkshire’s weather-affected Rothesay County Championship clash with Sussex at Hove this week.
Yorkshire’s sixth draw in 13 games leaves them seventh in Division One on 146 points, six ahead of second-bottom Durham (140) – next week’s final round opponents at Headingley, starting on Wednesday.
Hampshire are sandwiched in between on 142.
While Yorkshire and Durham play each other in a mouthwatering fixture, Hampshire host a Surrey side who are 14 points behind new league leaders Nottinghamshire.
Yorkshire need 10 more points.
While a win guarantees survival, a draw may be enough, and there is a scenario where a Yorkshire defeat may even see them safe if Hampshire lose.
Sussex had the better of this fixture, which saw almost 200 overs lost to rain, a wet outfield and bad light.
Yorkshire were bowled out for 194 in the first innings, Sussex responded with 250 before the visitors slipped to 6-3 in their second innings during the early stages of this afternoon. Thankfully, captain Jonny Bairstow and James Wharton shared a determined 103 unbroken stand for the fourth wicket to take the close of play score to 109-3.
Bairstow contributed 64 not out – his seventh fifty of the four-day campaign – and Wharton 23.
Head coach McGrath said: “It’s pretty similar to last week (Taunton) in terms of the weather.
“I think, again, we’ve probably not been at our best when we have played.
“We were in a good position on day one at 87-1, just coming into lunch, and then we had a crazy hour.
“I think we then bowled really well, coming on and off (for weather). They got a few more than we’d have liked. And then there was a little bit of a crazy start this afternoon.
“Jonny and Wharts batted really well.
“We’re disappointed we didn’t get more points with the bat. But, taking 11 from the game, given the bigger picture with the league, we’ll take that.”
On this afternoon’s wobble, which was sparked by three early wickets for left-arm spinner James Coles, McGrath said: “There was a bit of turn there, and the new ball is going to bounce a little bit more.
“But, as I say, the way Jonny and Wharts went about it, they kind of steadied the ship. Jonny showed a lot of experience and Wharts real composure, and we got a good partnership going.”
McGrath was jokingly asked whether he would be leaving 12mm of grass on the Headingley pitch to try and increase the possibility of a result, like he had done earlier in the season.
“Probably unlikely I’d say at this point,” he chuckled.
“But, on a serious note, we still want to look to try and win the game.
“I know a draw would probably leave us safe. But you can’t go into a game, I believe anyway, thinking you just need a draw.
“We’ve obviously left a lot of grass on early-season. I would say here and now, ‘We probably won’t leave that much on’. But we still want to try and win the game and finish as high as possible.”
Two players stood out for Yorkshire in this match; George Hill with 4-43 in Sussex’s first innings and captain Bairstow with his unbeaten 64 in Yorkshire’s second innings.
“George has been good all year,” added McGrath. “He keeps coming in, uphill, downhill, in the winds, and he finds a way of getting wickets. George has been so, so consistent this year. He’s been fantastic.
“Everyone knows Jonny’s quality. But it’s his drive and determination.
“The way he’s captained this year, he’s led from the front. He loves playing for Yorkshire, as we all know, so hopefully he’ll be with us next year and leading the team out again.”
McGrath also confirmed that Ben Coad (hamstring) is progressing well and is still in contention to face Durham.
