Harry Duke hit a blistering century late in Yorkshire’s imposing 382-5 as they beat Shropshire by 247 runs in today’s National Counties friendly at Wellington CC in Telford.
Wicketkeeper-batter Duke looks likely to bat in the middle order in this season’s Metro Bank One-Day Cup, as he did at this open and picturesque Orleton Park venue today in dynamic and fearless fashion for 106 not out off 55 balls with 12 fours and three sixes.
The 22-year-old has impressed at the top of the order in the last couple of seasons of 50-over cricket. But if he can replicate this kind of striking from number five when the competitive games begin later this week, Yorkshire fans will have fun watching him.
James Wharton and George Hill, with 73 and 63 respectively, laid the platform at the start by sharing 133 for the third wicket from 46-2.
Picture by YCCC. Wellington CC, the venue for today’s National Counties win over Shropshire.
In reply, somewhat of a thankless task for the hosts given the imposing target nearing 400, Matthew Revis continued his good day with two wickets added to a powerful late 49 not out with the bat in Yorkshire’s search for quick runs.
But Dom Bess stood out, claiming 4-20 from seven overs of off-spin – all his wickets lbw – as Shropshire were bowled out for 135 in 33 overs.
Yorkshire lost openers Fin Bean and Will Luxton early on, but Wharton and Hill struck the ball nicely. Wharton hit four sixes, including one pulled off the spin of Joe Stanley to reach his fifty off 74 balls. Next ball, he slog-swept the same bowler over the pavilion at deep mid-wicket.
Duke came to the crease at 179-3 after 31 overs, and he quickly moved through the gears, showing power and invention.
Picture by Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com. Matthew Revis was in the runs and wickets against Shropshire today.
By the time he reached his ton off 53 balls in the final over of the innings, he was in overdrive.
He shared half-century stands with captain for the day Jonny Tattersall (33) and Revis, the latter 98 in the last 7.4 overs of the innings. Yorkshire’s innings included a total of 12 sixes.
Shropshire lost wickets regularly in their chase, with Revis continuing his good day by bowling Andre Bradford and getting opener George Hargrave expertly caught at deep square-leg by Wharton diving forwards, the latter leaving the hosts at 88-4 in the 18th over.
Bess then trapped wicketkeeper Ben Lees lbw before removing Peter Clark, Stanley and Sam Ellis the same way.
Picture by Alex Whitehead/SWpix.com. Dom Bess impressed with four wickets – all lbw.
The latter two came at either end of the 29th over, 124-8.
Like Revis, Dom Leech also struck twice. He bowled former Worcestershire batter Tom Fell and later trapped Lewis Evans lbw.
Dan Moriarty claimed the winning wicket, while Ben Cliff also struck once.
Meanwhile, Yorkshire youngsters Yash Vagadia and Noah Kelly both played in National Counties Showcase games today, but for Northumberland and Cheshire.
Picture by YCCC. Harry Duke talks after his century in Yorkshire’s friendly victory.
Vagadia scored 37 opening the batting against Durham at Jesmond, while Kelly made one doing the same for Cheshire against Derbyshire at Nantwich.
Yorkshire open their MB50 campaign against Surrey at the Oval on Thursday (11am).
Yorkshire wicketkeeper-batter Harry Duke said: “We had a pretty good day there as group. Everyone seemed to chip in with the bat and the ball. Hopefully that sets us up for this competition.
“A bit of a different role for me today. I don’t know what the plan is going forwards, but I felt like I played with the lads at the other end and ran the ball around.
Picture by YCCC. The scene at Wellington CC today.
“There was a short leg-side boundary here – it’s quite a small ground. So I tried to target the right people. It was good to find the middle of the bat.
“I’ve done ok in this competition (MB50) over the last couple of years, so hopefully I can continue this form and contribute to us winning some games and getting into that quarter-final spot.
“I’ve been playing a lot of white ball cricket in the twos, and I also feel like I’m keeping well at the minute.”
