Adam Lyth reflected on Yorkshire’s position of strength at Essex heading into tomorrow’s final day and said: “The last two days have been as good as it can possibly get.”
Yorkshire were bowled out for 216 on day one, a total they thought should have been more. Since then, they have been near perfect, claiming a lead of 93 and building on it to set Essex an impossible target of 520 just after tea today.
Opener Lyth posted a brilliant 185 in Yorkshire’s second-innings 426-6 declared, also including scores of 61 from James Wharton and 79 from captain Jonny Bairstow.
“It’s a fabulous position we’ve got ourselves into,” he beamed. “So hopefully, tomorrow, we can get six wickets and bring home the points.
“I thought the way we bowled and the way we batted (over the last two days) is probably as good as it gets, to be honest. And then obviously taking four wickets tonight, we’ve put them under some real pressure.
“There’s still a little bit there for the seamers.
“Hopefully tomorrow, they can get six, seven or eight overs of seam and then the spinners can get to work.”
When all’s said and done, with hopefully 19 points in the bag, Lyth believes Yorkshire will look to the start of day two yesterday as the key period in this contest. Essex started it on 27-3 and were bowled out for 123.
George Hill and Ben Coad bowled brilliant nine-over spells and finished with 6-51 and 3-20 respectively.
“I think George Hill blew this game wide open with that nine-over spell with Coady at the start of yesterday,” he continued.
“They held the game, took wickets. George getting six and Coady getting three. They got us that 100-ish lead, which was absolutely crucial. And, obviously, we batted sensationally.
“It started off with me and Beany – fabulous opening partnership once again (72, second innings), and unfortunately it didn’t go on.
“I was the one who went on this time, hopefully it’ll be him next week. Then Wharts as well came in and played beautifully.”
Upon reaching his 39th first-class hundred, Lyth once again looked to the skies as part of his celebration, an acknowledgement to his late grandfather Peter, who passed away early last year.
“He played at Whitby, and he’s been massive for me,” added Lyth.
“It was sad to see him go. Obviously, he wasn’t very well at the end. But he’s probably looking down very, very proud.”
