ADAM Lyth marked his return to action with a determined knock as Yorkshire recovered from the early loss of Alex Lees on the first morning against Hampshire.

Lyth, who has spent the opening month of the season in the West Indies with England, reached the break unbeaten on 38 as the Tykes moved to 83-2.

With Andrew Gale having won the toss and opted to bat, Lyth lost opening partner Lees in just the third over of the day as the left-hander offered no shot to a James Tomlinson delivery and was adjudged LBW for a single.

But along with Che Pujara, he was able to slowly work his way back into County Championship cricket with some fine shots through the off-side as the pair added 48 for the second wicket.

Pujara was less fluent and was fortunate to survive a run-out attempt from Sean Terry and a drop at third slip by James Vince before finally departing for 18 thanks to a catch from Sean Ervine off the bowling of Tomlinson.

Gale joined Lyth to see the Tykes through to lunch at Headingley, with the Yorkshire skipper 15 not out.

Lyth was one of three players making their return to the Yorkshire side, with the Tykes also welcoming Adil Rashid and Jonny Bairstow back following England duty.

But there was no place for Liam Plunkett after he breached the team’s strict code of discipline. The former Durham paceman missed Saturday’s final photocall and training session, meaning Will Rhodes kept his place in the XI.