Jason Gillespie declared himself satisfied by his bowlers’ efforts despite an opening day dominated by former Yorkshire batsman Michael Lumb’s century at Scarborough.
Having won the toss in the County Championship clash and decided to bowl first, Yorkshire may have wanted to make more of an inroads into Nottinghamshire’s batting line-up.
But instead Lumb hit an unbeaten 116 as Notts reached 177-2 at the close of a day restricted to 71 overs by bad light and rain.
Yet Gillespie was delighted with the discipline Yorkshire showed in bowling that prevented their opponents building a far more commanding total and potentially putting them out of the game.
“We could have bowled a fraction straighter but I was really pleased with our lads’ efforts,” said the first-team coach.
“You would obviously like to have another couple of wickets but all in all I thought we controlled the run-rate quite well, even when we weren’t taking wickets.”
The decision to bowl first after winning the toss, influenced by cloudy skies and a green-tinged wicket – only for rain to delay the start until 1.10pm – appeared inspired when Ryan Sidebottom had Alex Hales caught behind off the fifth ball of the match.
But Lumb teamed up with Ed Cowan, soon to join Australia’s squad for the Ashes, and forged a patient 101-run stand spanning the next 46 overs before the overseas opener edged Steve Patterson to slip three short of his half-century.
Lumb reached his first three-figure score against Yorkshire with a flurry of runs, scoring 15 in seven balls – including a cover drive for four off Adil Rashid – to post his 17th first-class ton and celebrated by punching the air with his fist.
While Yorkshire may have been frustrated by events on the pitch at North Marine Road, their spirits were lifted by five players signing contract extensions.
Jonny Bairstow, Gary Ballance and Patterson have extended their deals until 2015, while Azeem Rafiq and Moin Ashraf are now contracted until 2014.
“It’s something that Martyn Moxon, our director of cricket, has identified,” said Gillespie.
“He has spoken about wanting a squad together for a number of years, play some good cricket and hopefully win something along the way.”
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