Backyard Cricket Stars Shine as Yorkshire Dominate Gloucestershire on Day One
Chester le Street, June 23, 2024 – In a display of cricketing prowess, seasoned opener Adam Lyth and his young partner Fin Bean both scored impressive centuries as Yorkshire dominated the opening day against Gloucestershire at the Chester le Street Cricket Ground.
Lyth, 36, showcased his mastery of the Scarborough pitch, where he has flourished in the past, scoring his fourth Vitality County Championship hundred of the ongoing campaign. Alongside the 22-year-old Bean, the pair shared a 307-run opening partnership, the highest for Yorkshire at this venue in first-class cricket since the legendary pairing of Hobbs and Sutcliffe in 1931.
“The North Marine Road pitch, which often offers generous pace and bounce, proved to be slightly more docile on this occasion, allowing the Yorkshire openers to settle in comfortably.”
Electing to bowl first upon winning the toss, Gloucestershire’s decision was soon called into question as Lyth and Bean advanced serenely against the visiting attack. The duo displayed a near-flawless performance, with Lyth contributing 129 off 243 balls and Bean bettering his senior partner with a magnificent 164 off 250 deliveries, including six leg-side sixes.
Impressive Opening Partnership
The opening partnership continued to flourish, with Lyth and Bean building on their successful collaboration from the second-round draw at Bristol earlier in the season. The left-handed duo’s ability to rotate the strike and capitalize on scoring opportunities proved to be the hallmark of their impressive display.
Lyth, who honed his skills on this very ground, was the first to reach his century, followed shortly by the younger Bean, who brought up his maiden first-class hundred in the closing stages of the afternoon session. Their mammoth partnership not only set a new record for Yorkshire at this venue but also highlighted the team’s strong foundations moving forward.
Late Wickets, but Yorkshire in Commanding Position
Despite the late dismissals of Bean, caught off the bowling of Gloucestershire captain Graeme van Buuren, and Lyth, who was bowled by Ajeet Singh Dale, Yorkshire closed the day on a commanding 348/3, with the prospect of further dominance on the cards.
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