Andy R wrote:
I don't know what to make of this Yorkshire side. To me, on paper, it looks weaker than at many points over recent years. Have players such as Pyrah and Brophy really improved that much that they can be regulars in sides challenging for the title, or is the standard of County cricket in decline?
I love the idea of going with a home grown squad however I fear for our batting line up if a couple of injuries occur.
Brophy was pretty much a regular in the side which challenged for the title last year, while Pyrah was a key part of the one-day side.
Had both Bresnan and Shahzad been available, Pyrah probably wouldn't have played in this game despite a career best against Durham.
He reminds me a fair bit of Mark Alleyne as a cricketer, who was a key component of that strong Gloucestershire side a few years ago - not great at any particular discipline but a steady contributor in all departments.
I know what you mean about the batting though - effectively there are six specialists in the squad (the top five in this game plus Joe Sayers, who is working his way back to form and fitness). Next man up after that is probably Gary Ballance, which doesn't fill me with confidence.
Yorkshire 306-9, Gale unbeaten on 117. The last wicket has put on 52, of which Hannon-Dalby has contributed 2 not out
