Yorkshire yield record score
Cricket Leicestershire 681-7 dec Yorkshire 143-4
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.James Whitaker continued the humiliation of his native county by leading Leicestershire to the highest Championship score in history against them, surpassing a record 95 years old, and by becoming the first "exile" to score five centuries against them, overtaking Bill Athey's four.
"It's nice," he agreed, "to come back north and take a few runs off the boys." Today he may have a further satisfaction of making the Tykes follow on.
When Adrian Pierson confidently drove Gough straight for four in the third over Yorkshire had an inkling of what was to come. The nightwatchman lasted another 46 minutes, before being undone by extra bounce. Aftab Habib had made 11 when he was dropped at extra cover off Craig White but added only another six, in a laudable attempt to lift the tempo, when he was caught at cover.
Paul Nixon and Whitaker then settled into the third big stand of the innings, 126 in 36 overs, a steady accumulation that brought the captain a new career best, the highest score made by a Leicestershire player against Yorkshire and then the historic county record. Somerset's 630 in 1901 was made on uncovered pitches in a three-day match against a Yorkshire team that had been unbeaten for 18 months.
Whitaker had reached 218 when he aimed to put Richard Stemp into orbit and gave long-off a comfortable catch. Whitaker's record was made off 324 balls and included two sixes and 27 fours; three more overs brought the total for the innings to 173 and a declaration.
Over the day the wind had veered northwards and Yorkshire, requiring 531 to avoid a follow-on, started under a cloud, physically and metaphorically. Martyn Moxon survived two truly fast overs from David Millns after watching Michael Vaughan, uncertain of Gordon Parsons' length, become trapped first ball.
Moxon completed a second unhappy day, having dropped Habib and then Whitaker, the latter on 201 (he also dropped a catch on Thursday) by being comprehensively bowled in the eighth over. He is still having to wear protection on his left hand.
David Byas demonstrated how easy it was to reach the boundary before glancing to slip, Anthony McGrath showed promise briefly, Michael Bevan giving Bradfordians almost the only cheer of the day when he drove and turned four consecutive fours off Parsons.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments