A Crucial Win?

Remarkably Warwickshire produced almost two identical totals while Yorkshire recorded the highest and lowest scores of an absorbing and nail-biting skirmish. In the end, the champions did just enough to cling on to a narrow victory whilst delivering an under-par performance with the bat. To play badly and still win is sometimes highlighted as evidence of a formidable team, and the Tykes remain precisely that. Boosted by the return of demon duo, Brooks and Sidebottom, they lack little in the bowling department, but they will have a realisation that they cannot reasonably expect to win too many matches with a puny innings total of 150, which itself was rendered all the more shambolic, after a collapse from a decent start of forty-three without loss.    

In fact this close contest evolved into the proverbial seesaw. First the home team were in a position of extreme strength, sitting on a lead of 120 runs, with ten second innings wickets still standing. Then Warwickshire rolled them over like dominoes. The away team found themselves with a small target to pursue, but were quickly reeling on the ropes, losing three top order batsmen for a cost of only fourteen runs. However, a stand of ninety-one runs between Ambrose and the redoubtable Trott had the home contingent shifting nervously in their seats. Then, an avalanche of seven wickets fell upon the proceedings after tea on the thrid day, helping Yorkshire to a slender, and far from convincing triumph.

The county champions have been boosted by the return of Brooks and Sidebottom, thereby allowing the county to rest Plunkett, Willey, Rafiq, (and Rhodes) for the one-day battles that lie ahead. This squad rotation will be beneficial. Regrettably, the batting department can afford no such luxury. Instead, they will have to muddle on through without the dynamic Bairstow and Root. Young Head has been drafted away, so Jake Lehmann will be arriving next through the overseas player revolving door. Fortunately Gary Ballance is expected to be available for the final five County Championship fixtures. However, the white rose will have to make do with depleted resources when it crosses the Pennines this weekend for a wrestling match against the neighbours. A draw wouldn't be the worst result in the world, under the circumstances.     

YORKSHIRE versus Warwickshire; in Leeds; Thursday the fourth to Saturday the sixth of August; YORKSHIRE elected to bat first.

YORKSHIRE first innings: 257 (Head 54; Barker 4-55)

Warwickshire first innings: 179 (Clarke 50*; Rashid 3-32, Sidebottom 3-41)

YORKSHIRE second innings: 150 (Lees 70; Clarke 4-45, Patel 4-49)

Warwickshire second innings: 180 (Trott 59; Rashid 4-29, Brooks 3-48)

YORKSHIRE win by 48 runs. YORKSHIRE 21 points, Warwickshire three points.

Lyth - Twice he reached twenty but failed to get much further which was disappointing. He needs to deliver a few big knocks in the last six Championship outings.

Lees - Eighty runs from two innings was absolutely priceless in the context of this low-scoring encounter. His four-hour second-innings vigil was especially crucial.

Head - Fifty-six runs was a decent effort in what will be his only first-class fixture for Yorkshire, as Travis has been called up by the Australian selectors. 

Gale - Sadly scores of fourteen and one are woefully inadequate. Only a lack of competition now for batting places is keeping this passenger in the team.

Leaning - Forty-two runs in the first innings was a continuation of his fine one-day form. However, Jack then batted fifty minutes for a miserable three.

Rashid - 23 runs was a poor return with the bat, but Adil atoned for this somewhat by twice running through their tale, taking seven wickets from 22.3 overs.

Bresnan - This was not one of big Tim's better displays. He managed only scores of 28 and five with the bat, and failed to take a wicket from his ten overs.  

Hodd - Andy could only muster one stumping and two catches, alongside contributions of seven and eight runs. The faithful yearn for an alternative wicketkeeper.

Patterson - Patto produced a fine all-round performance, comprising a valuable 38 with the bat, and taking three wickets at a cost of fifty-one runs, from 22 overs.

Sidebottom - The returning Siddo hit the ground running, taking five wickets, costing 71 runs, from 26 accurate overs. He has been sorely missed this summer.

Brooks - JB emulated his new ball partner, also taking five wickets, at a cost of seventy-six runs, from 28 overs, dismissing Trott twice with a return catch! 

BATSMAN CHARTS (minimum of one hundred runs)

Bairstow: average - 88.83; 533 runs; two hundreds

Root: average - 80; 240 runs; one hundred

Plunkett: average - 45.75; 366 runs; one hundred, two fifties

Bresnan: average - 40.75; 326 runs; three fifties

BEST BOWLERS (minimum of ten wickets)

Patterson: average - 24.76; thirty-three wickets

Rashid: average - 28.41; 27 wickets

Brooks: average - 32.92; 27 wickets

Bresnan: average - 43.7; ten wickets