Yorkshire believe they will be well placed to beat Warwickshire at York on day four should they set a target above 200, according to bowling coach Rich Pyrah.
The White Rose ended day three at Clifton Park on 178-7 in their second innings, leading by 183.
It is set up to be an absolutely superb finish to the first county fixture in York since 1890.
Both sides are confident, as highlighted by Warwickshire captain Jeetan Patel, a former York CC overseas player.
Warwickshire started the day on 192-5 replying to 259 before being bowled out for 250.
Yorkshire then fought hard against some accurate bowling from the Bears, with Jack Leaning’s determined unbeaten 47 on his home ground the feature of their second innings.
“It’s been a fascinating day, and it’s set up tomorrow. If we can make them chase over 200, I think it’s going to be a really good game,” said Pyrah.
“It’s been really hard-fought and enjoyable to watch. It hasn’t been a typical green seamer, it’s just been a hard-working cricket pitch. Both teams have learnt the right length to bowl on this pitch, and it’s a bit fuller than normal. If you get in those areas, it’s tough to score.
“Steve Patterson said in the team chat this morning, ‘It’s old school cricket’, which kind of suits his style of play, doesn’t it!
“It’s all set up for tomorrow. I think they’re probably just ahead, but a lead of over 200 and it will be back in our favour.”
Warwickshire captain Patel, the ex-New Zealand off-spinner, added: “It’s still very even.
“We may have a slight advantage right now, but it all depends on how we rock up tomorrow. That afternoon session today was who we are and what we want to be – the energy, excitement and effort.
“We go a bowler down (Liam Norwell with a hamstring injury) and it’s always hard, but the guys came together. What they did was very special. It’s put us in a position where if we go bang, bang in the morning, there’s an opportunity to chase 200.
“But whatever that target is, we’ll be looking to get it because we’ve put in too much hard work this game to let it go.”
