After their explosive efforts earlier on, much of the fire went out of Yorkshire's bowling at Headingley yesterday was disappointing.

It meant that Hampshire, ably assisted by Keighley-born batsman Paul Whitaker, were able to hold out for a draw, despite a later flurry of excitement.

After rain had washed out the third day, it was 12.25 yesterday afternoon before the clouds lifted and Hampshire were able to resume on 109 for three, still 114 away from avoiding the innings defeat.

Yorkshire's spirits soared in the third over when Derek Kenwood touched one from Chris Silverwood which drifted away, but with the pitch now unresponsive either to pace or spin Hampshire were able to make untroubled progress.

Adrian Aymes, eight not out overnight, had the necessary patience to put down the heavy anchor while Dimitri Mascarenhas advanced with a more carefree approach and it was not until just after Shearer had scored for England that Richard Stemp did his bit for Yorkshire by getting Mascarenhas caught behind for 34.

While Stemp bowled throughout the afternoon, sending down 18 overs for 25 runs, Yorkshire tried several variations at the Kirkstall Lane end but nothing could stop Aymes completing his 50 off 136 balls to take Hampshire to 200 for five.

Whitaker was proving just as obstinate as Aymes but the return of Stemp broke Aymes's resistance when he played back and was lbw for 73 off 186 deliveries having defied Yorkshire for 236 minutes.

Time was slipping away for Yorkshire who took the new ball at 250 for six just before the final hour and the score was unchanged four overs later when Whitaker was bowled off his pads by Paul Hutchison.

Whitaker had battled away for 131 balls, striking only one boundary in his 32, and despite the sudden loss of Shaun Udal and Nixon McLean, Hampshire held on.

lYorkshire will know tonight whether England are prepared to release Chris Silverwood in order that he can play for his county tomorrow in the Championship match against Durham at Riverside.

Silverwood was named as 12th man for the Test but he could still win a place if any of the other fast bowlers report injured today. Pudsey Congs pace man Matthew Hoggard returns to the Yorkshire side in place of Ryan Sidebottom who is included in the second team's three day game against Durham Seconds which was due to begin at Middlesbrough today.

Australian star Darren Lehmann returns after a back injury so Bradley Parker is forced to make way for him.

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