Yorkshire’s Will Fraine admitted his delight at posting his maiden first-class century on day one against Surrey at Scarborough, declaring: “What a day!”
The 23-year-old’s 106 at the top of the White Rose order underpinned their healthy 327 all out, although there was obvious frustration at slipping from a position of great strength at 187-1 after lunch. Surrey closed on 48-0 in reply.
Huddersfield-born Fraine is playing his fourth Specsavers County Championship match for Yorkshire, his fifth in all having debuted for Notts last year. In all first-class cricket, this is his ninth appearance.
“It’s nice to get that monkey off my back,” said the ex-Durham MCC Universities man.
“It was awesome being out there. It’s a very proud day for myself and my family.”
Fraine has made a number of starts in his early appearances for Yorkshire’s first team without going on, including at York against Warwickshire in the last game when he made 42 and one – trapped lbw in the second innings by Oliver Hannon-Dalby off the inside edge.
Only last week, whilst playing for the second team, he scored a one-day hundred in a Trophy semi-final defeat to Kent on this ground.
“I’ve been feeling good this year. I’ve been scoring well in the seconds and have felt good in the previous couple of games in the first team. I just haven’t kicked on after a couple of nice starts,” he said, having shared 116 for the first wicket with Adam Lyth.
“Lythy is a top-class player and has been a great servant for the club. He makes my life easier. He is a very calming influence. We gel quite well.
“I chatted to Andrew Gale because I was really frustrated last week after getting a decision which I didn’t really feel was that fair (in the second innings at York).
“I really wanted to prove myself, but he reassured me that I just had to keep playing the way I have been.
“Surrey are the champions and have a very good attack, so it’s nice to do it against them. This is my fifth county game and my third against Surrey. I keep playing against them and Morne Morkel. I’m like, ‘Go away’ because he’s so good. But it was nice to get one up on him.
“With the weather we’ve had, the pitch has been under covers, so it’s not got its normal pace even though it has its normal bounce. The short ball was sticking a bit, which probably helped me out.
“It is frustrating (to lose the wickets), but it’s cricket.
“We’re playing against high quality opposition, and you’re going to play a poor shot here and there or get a good ball. But I think we’re in a good spot with our attack and runs on the board. As long as we sit in and be patient, I’m sure we’ll end up with a lead.”
Fraine was watched by a group of family and friends, including father Mike and a set of grandparents: “My best mate and some other friends were also here. I made sure I gave them all a wave when I got the hundred,” he added.
