Picture by John Heald. Sam Whiteman sweeps on the way to a debut 48.
Sam Whiteman spoke of a frustrating day three for Yorkshire as Glamorgan – thanks largely to five-wicket spinner Mason Crane – gained the advantage heading into day three at Sophia Gardens in Cardiff.
Even though a draw is perhaps the favoured result at this stage, the newly-promoted Welshmen are the more likely winners out of the two counties who are contesting this opening round Rothesay County Championship opener having reached 111-3 in their second innings, a lead of 187.
Whiteman contributed 48 to Yorkshire’s 226 all out in the first innings as they replied to 302, while Matthew Revis top-scored with 50.
“It didn’t go to plan, but that happens in cricket sometimes, doesn’t it,” said Whiteman, who batted at three on his Yorkshire debut.
“Credit to them, they bowled well. They put us under a bit of pressure.
“The wicket’s pretty slow, and it’s tough work for the seamers. The spinners feel like they’re in the game, so we’re going to have to play spin better in the second innings.
“But, all three results are possible heading into tomorrow.”
On his own innings, which included nine fours, the left-hander said: “I felt I played well. It’s frustrating because you always want more as a batter. I would have loved to have gone on with it. But it was nice to get a little bit of time in the middle.”
On Revis, he continued: “It was quite a mature knock from a youngster. I’ve only seen him for a week, but he looks a very promising player.”
Whiteman, the Western Australia captain, was born in Doncaster and has just started a three-year deal with his home county.
He said: “I’ve settled in well, it’s been good. The group’s welcomed me in, and I’m enjoying my cricket so far.”
And on tomorrow’s play and the possibility of any run-chase, he added: “If you bowl straight and set straight fields, it’s quite tough to keep the scoreboard moving. I’m hesitant to set a number, but you’d like it to be in the 200s I would have thought.
“The ball’s in their court a little bit in terms of how much they want to risk to win the game. It will be interesting.
“All we can control is take a couple of quick ones, build pressure and you never know.”
