Yorkshire’s Dawid Malan described one of his most satisfying innings after completing a maiden career double hundred against Derbyshire during the third day at Emerald Headingley.
Malan converted his 26th career first-class ton into his first 200 against the side he scored 199 against whilst playing for Middlesex last summer.
He helped Yorkshire secure a first-innings score of 400-6 before seeing Derbyshire close on 198-6 in reply, three runs short of the follow-on.
The likelihood is that this Bob Willis Trophy clash with finish in a draw with only one day remaining, though Malan says that is not certain yet.
“It feels awesome,” said the 32-year-old, who started the day on 153.
“I’ve said before, when you come to a new team, you want to lay your marker down and score some runs to feel at home at the club and to gain the respect and trust of the players.
“To do it in the way I’ve done it here is awesome.
“A double hundred is something which has eluded me for quite a time in my career, so to come and do that on my home debut for Yorkshire is a hell of a feeling.
“I’m a bit tired to enjoy it at the moment, but I’m sure I’ll enjoy it as the week goes on.
“It’s definitely up there (as one of my best innings).
“I’ve had some innings I’ve really enjoyed, but to do it on your home debut (makes it extra special).
“It’s disappointing the weather has played a big part because the way we bowled tonight and the position we got them in, we’d be in a strong position to push for the victory if we had another day after tomorrow.”
Before lunch on day three, Malan also completed a fifth-wicket record partnership – in White Rose matches against Derbyshire – of 200 with Jonny Tattersall, who made 66.
“Tatts played fantastically well,” he said.
“He came in at a tough time when we’d lost a couple of wickets, and he soaked up pressure nicely.
“It was disappointing he couldn’t go on and score a hundred because he deserved it the way he played.”
Looking ahead to day four, Malan added: “If we can get these last four wickets in the first 45 minutes of play, there’s no reason why we can’t go and get another 100 quickly, put them back in again and create something out of nothing.”
