Yorkshire Vs. Lancashire Friendly Day 3.

Smith shines on final day of friendly with Yorkshire.

The final day of this friendly game was unlikely to bring any result, but the fans were certainly guaranteed entertainment, after the first two days, which have both shown how strong these teams could be if they apply themselves. Yorkshire in particular will be ecstatic with their batting performance thus far, after their innings and 12-run loss to Sussex in the championship.  Lancashire will be less impressed by their inability to rip through Yorkshire’s lower order batsmen, much like their encounter with Worcestershire.

Yorkshire replicated the action of declaring overnight on 381-8, but with a lead of 112 runs their position in this match was certainly stronger than Lancashire’s. Both Tom Smith and Stephen Moore have been struggling to nail down their place in the first-team and they were given the chance to prove themselves, when they opened Lancashire’s second innings.

They seemed to cope largely better than expected, on an incredibly windy mornings session, with Smith looking particularly strong. Moore was arguably more in need of form but unfortunately it was he who was removed first, edging to Liam Plunkett at fourth slip off Tim Bresnan for 22, with the score at 47-1.

Karl Brown joined Smith at the crease, hoping to improve on his score of 32 from the first innings. Smith built on his already impressive work, advancing to his half-century from 79 balls. By lunch, Lancashire had reached an impressive total of 105-1, scoring at an impressive rate against the highly qualified bowling attack Yorkshire possessed.

Lancashire were scheduled to declare at some stage in the afternoon session, in order to give their opponents another chance to bat and, likewise, give themselves an opportunity to bowl. 

Smith continued to impress after lunch, building on his score of 65 not out from the break. He appeared to be bound for a century but, possibly in an attempt to accelerate his innings further, he top-edged Bresnan to Andrew Gale at cover for 89, with Lancashire on 152-2, ending Smith and Brown’s stand – worth 105 runs.

Steven Croft replaced the Lancs opener, but managed only a single before he played-on to his own stumps to give Adil Rashid his first wicket of the innings, after he struck an impressive century yesterday.  Gareth Cross (3) joined Brown (45), but the fourth-wicket stand was halted when Lancashire declared on 163-3, with a lead of just 51. It was therefore clear that no outright winner would emerge, but both sides would get in some much needed practice.

Unlike Lancashire, Yorkshire opened with the same batsmen as they had from their first innings, as Adam Lyth and Joe Root sought to build a strong opening partnership. Adnan Ghaus failed to claim any wickets on his debut in the first innings, but at the second time of asking he claimed Lyth’s wicket at 45-1. By tea Yorkshire had long passed their ‘target’ of 52, as Root and Jacques entered the pavilion for 72-1 from just 13 overs.

Newby claimed the wicket of Root in the first over after the break and then dismissed the Yorkshire captain, Andrew Gale, at 102-3. Phil Jacques showed some resistance as he managed to obtain a well-deserved fifty, but six runs later was dismissed by Stephen Parry, as he was caught by Smith, with Yorkshire now 162-4.

Smith then took his second catch in quick succession, as Simon Kerrigan removed Liam Plunkett on 163-5. Bresnan was then removed by an Oliver Newby catch to give Parry his second wicket of the innings and when Steve Patterson was trapped LBW by Kerrigan at 164-7, the day came to a close.

Yorkshire Vs. Lancashire Friendly Day 2.

Bairstow century prevents Lancashire dominance.

After a reformed effort with the bat and an overnight declaration, Lancashire’s friendly against there closest rivals had really taken flight, thanks to Kyle Hogg and Wayne White’s unbeaten stand of 136 for the eighth wicket partnership. The visitors managed 269-7 at Headingley and were hoping to improve on their bowling performance from the match versus Worcestershire at Old Trafford.  Yorkshire's strong bowling attack had failed to remove the tail-end batsmen, but the second day promised to be very entertaining with even more England players on show, despite the friendly status given to the match.

Play started on time but the teams managed just 4 overs before bad light intervened – The issue turned out to be the sightscreen, which needed adjusting.

When Adam Lyth and Joe Root resumed play they experienced a tough start to Yorkshire’s response as Kyle Hogg troubled the Tykes openers. After Root survived an LBW shout he appeared to be unsettled and was eventually undone by Hogg, edging behind to Gareth Cross for 11. Lyth followed his partner for 14, trapped LBW by Hogg, as Yorkshire staggered to 30-2.

Oliver Newby replaced Hogg and enjoyed early success, trapping captain Andrew Gale LBW for 4 and then Phil Jacques in the same style. Now 51-4, the home side still trailed by 218 runs and were losing wickets at regular intervals. The introduction of Adnan Ghaus, a 22 year-old fast bowler from the Lancashire second XI, brought a fresh air to the attack, but he failed to make any impact on his debut.

Gary Ballance and Jonathan Bairstow achieved a fifty partnership for the fifth-wicket after lunch, but Lancashire eventually found the breakthrough when Ballance was run out for 12, with Yorkshire now 106-5.

Yesterday was certainly a day of two halves, with the second phase putting a complete spin on what had preceded. After the loss of several wickets Lancashire finally found salvation and formed a century partnership and this action was to be repeated once more in the match.

Bairstow had shown early signs of quality, which was hardly surprising after his inclusion in the England test squad against New Zealand and, accompanied by Adil Rashid, Yorkshire’s innings finally started to build stability. Bairstow reached his fifty before the teatime interval, by which point Yorkshire were  209-5. The partnership, which had already passed 100, continued to advance, with Rashid reaching his own half-century before the break.

Bairstow was already closing in on his century, resuming the evening session on 86 and he wasted no time in adding to his total, advancing to 100 shortly after the break. Finding a way to break the sixth-wicket partnership had become virtually impossible and so Lancashire were relieved when Bairstow retired on 136, with Yorkshire now ahead of their opponents score.

After the ending of this 150-run partnership Rashid reached his century from 115 balls retiring on 103, with Yorkshire’s score at 309-7.

Tim Bresnan and Azeem Rafiq then rubbed further salt in to the wounds of their roses rivals, reaching 350 before the latter edged behind off Stephen Parry for 20.

At close Bresnan is just four runs shy of his fifty and new batsmen Liam Plunkett is on 5, with the score on 381-8. Now 112 runs on, the game is certainly in Yorkshire’s hands, but with just one day left any chances of a result would require a devastating collapse from Lancashire.

Yorkshire Vs. Lancashire Friendly Day 1.

Hogg and White fight back against Yorkshire in friendly at Headingley.

Although this fixture has been labeled as a friendly, it is clear that it will be anything but, for a number of reasons. Any encounter between Lancashire and Yorkshire predicates on retaining personal pride and losing is not an option for either side. But this fixture will be of greater significance, after the first week of Championship fixtures proved to be unkind to both these teams, leaving them with a great deal to prove. For Lancashire, it is important to prove that they are capable of asserting dominance through their ability to take wickets. On the flip side, the batting of Yorkshire has been called into question, after their innings and 12-run loss to Sussex.

Lancashire were set to bat first, which would prove to be difficult under the incredibly windy conditions at Headingley. This was reflected by the hesitant start made by both Paul Horton (25) and Luke Procter, who both enjoyed half-centuries against Worcestershire. The latter was unable to truly settle himself, eventually playing-on to his own stumps off Ryan Sidebottom for 5.

Karl Brown joined the stand-in captain and Lancashire started to look increasingly confident, reaching the lunchtime interval with a total of 53-1.

But after lunch Lancashire’s luck changed severely, loosing Horton almost instantaneously and Stephen Moore (8) shortly afterwards, with both falling to the impressive bowling of Jack Brooks.

Brown had enjoyed the earlier stages of his innings, but he was now under a great deal of pressure to provide Lancashire with a source of runs, amidst the regular loss of wickets. This pressure took its toll when on 32 he edged to Gary Ballance at first slip, giving England international Tim Bresnan his first victim at 72-4.

The fifth-wicket partnership between Steven Croft and Tom Smith reinstated a degree of stability to Lancashire innings, which appeared to be struggling in the absence of Ashwell Prince and Simon Katich. The pair enjoyed a 57-run partnership before Yorkshire struck once more, with Smith removed LBW for 24, rewarding Liam Plunkett after a tough start to his spell.  

Much like the second wicket though, Lancashire’s innings collapsed after Yorkshire managed to remove Smith, with Croft being bowled by Rashid for 35 and the new man, Gareth Cross, failing to make any impact as he edged behind to Johnny Bairstow for just 2, giving Plunkett his second wicket.

By tea, Lancashire were 151-7 and there was more than a strong chance that Yorkshire would be batting before close of play. Lancashire have become more than accustomed to lower-order batsmen saving them from difficult situations and the presence of Kyle and Hogg and Wayne White before tea had redeemed the innings partially.

This continued after the break and initially brought relief to an otherwise desperate situation. But as the partnership developed it became apparent that both batsmen meant business.

The evening session put a total and utter spin on the days play, with both Hogg (69) and White (62) achieving half-centuries in an unbeaten stand of 136, to leave Lancashire 269-7.

Lancashire squad announced for Yorkshire 'friendly'.

Despite the slightly misleading label of a friendly, this three-day encounter will give the Roses rivals a chance to rest and practice during the week that sees both teams absent from the first-class calendar.

Both sides have named a 12-man squad, all of whom will play, with 11 of the players batting.

Lancs: Paul Horton (capt), Karl Brown, Steven Croft, Gareth Cross (wk), Kyle Hogg, Simon Kerrigan, Stephen Moore, Stephen Parry, Oliver Newby, Luke Procter, Tom Smith, Wayne White.

Yorks: Adam Lyth, Joe Root, Phil Jaques, Andrew Gale (capt), 
Jonathan Bairstow (wk), Gary Ballance, Azeem Rafiq, Adil Rashid, Tim Bresnan, Liam Plunkett, Ryan Sidebottom, Jack Brooks, Steve Patterson.

The Lancashire squad sees three particularly important inclusions, as well as one key strategic decision. The return of Stephen Moore and Tom Smith, can be for one of two possible reasons. Either coach Moores sees them as fill in for those who are being rested, or, as many would hope, they are finally being trialled in the Red Rose team.

The inclusion of Oliver Newby will likewise please the Lancashire faithful, especially those who have examined his progress from the second XI and also his performance for the first XI, whenever he is chosen to play. It seems as though his absence from the first team has been a result of Lancashire's competitive attitude to produce the best possible team, forcing a number of quality players to miss out.

The decision to play Paul Horton as captain instead of Steven Croft is understandable, given that the latter has only ever filled Glen Chapple's boots in limited overs cricket on a regular basis.

Stephen Parry also comes in, with Chapple, Simon Katich and Ashwell Prince being rested.

Moving onto Yorkshire's side and it is hardly surprising they are a first division team when you observe the quality on show for a 'friendly'. Joe Root, Jonathan Bairstow and Tim Bresnan all feature in the Tykes' squad as well as previous England international Ryan Sidebottom.

Although the match has been characterised as a friendly, we can be certain that it will be anything but.

Pictures from day 4 at Old Trafford Vs. Worcestershire.

Lancashire Vs. Worcestershire Day 4.

Katich and Prince shine in rain affected draw with Worcestershire. 

Starting the final day on 250-3, with Prince (34*) and Katich (25*) Lancashire were in the strongest position out of the two sides, but for a long time now the game had appeared to be heading for a draw, due to poor weather that we have unfortunately come to expect. Barring a major collapse and of course the absence of yet more rain, it looked as if both teams would play simply for the remainder of bonus points available and to warm up for the next fixture.

The eye-catching work of Lancashire’s overseas players ended the third day in style and this continued for the majority of the morning session this continued to be the case.

Both of the left-handers frustrated the Worcestershire attack, particularly Alan Richardson, who continued to hit a consistent line for no reward. 

A stunning drive to Prince to an 80-ball 50, as he hit his ninth four. Shortly afterwards Katich edged to second slip off Richardson, but sub fielder (Choudry) put the chance down.

Lancashire brought up 300 in almost no time at all and the rate of Prince and Katich suggested that a score of 400 was now in the realms of possibility. At one stage in the morning session, Prince and Katich scored 60 from just 52 balls, demonstrating how quickly they managed to advance the innings.

Katich reached his half-century slightly faster than his partner (70 balls) including six fours and a six, as Lancashire onslaught continued to impress the crowd.

The partnership had now become formidable and a Prince six took the pairs contribution past 150 runs and Worcestershire’s total of 334.

Further frustration came for Alan Richardson when Moeen Ali dropped a chance at second slip to remove Ashwell Prince, who was on 87 at the time and now seemed destined to reach his ton. Lancashire brought up 350 to claim another bonus point, adding 100 runs in just 14 overs.

Due to the fact that the morning session ha been so entertaining the first breakthrough came as a major anti-climax and took many by surprise, none more than Alan Richardson, who finally saw his fantastic bowling rewarded, as captain Mitchell held the catch. Prince’s magnificent innings was thwarted at 95 from just 120 balls, as Worcestershire ended the fourth wicket stand worth 181.

After 110 overs Lancashire had reached 368-4, which meant that the only real value of the fourth day had expired and both sides were now waiting for the draw.

Much like Prince’s wicket, the removal of Simon Katich saddened the Lancashire faithful, who were hoping to see the entertaining quality of their overseas stars materialise into at least one century. But at 84 Katich was caught behind by Michael Johnson to give Moeen Ali his first wicket, as the Australian’s innings came to a close at 383-5.

Now that Steven Croft and Gareth Cross were at the crease, Worcestershire sought to remove the fresh pair that stood in stark contrast to the one that had proceeded. They were able to pass 400, but in a calamitous mix-up, Gareth Cross ran himself out, for 10 in a ludicrous attempt to run four runs. 

New signing Wayne White joined the party and proved however briefly his capabilities as an all round player. Unfortunately, Croft edged to Mitchell for 25 off David Lucas, with Lancashire score now at 415-7 and the lunchtime interval closing in.  At the end of magnificent session, Lancashire had added 166 runs, which if nothing else showed how the batting had improved since last season in the longest form of the game. 

Lancashire batted on after lunch with Lancashire skipper Glen Chapple (15*) accompanying White (16*), as both played with an aggressive tone, adding 32 runs in the first four overs of the second session. They eventually declared at 448-7 with a lead of 114 and if the weather held there was certainly room for a shock collapse from Worcestershire. 

Worcestershire opened differently due to the recovery of their captain Daryl Mitchell, who accompanied Matthew Pardoe. White dropped the latter in the early stages of the innings at second slip, with Worcestershire at 16-0 and hopes of a shock result all but gone.

Chapple struck in the next over, removing Pardoe for 11, as he edged to Gareth Cross at 17-1. Moeen Ali came out for a handful of deliveries, before the rain hit and both sides decided to shake hands off the pitch.

Lancashire 9 points, Worcestershire 6 points.