Adam Lyth completed another LV= County Championship half-century as Yorkshire’s fine day against Essex continued.

The opener reached 66 not out at tea on the second day to help the Tykes to 133-2, meaning they are now only 266 runs behind their hosts’ first-innings total.

Resuming on just nine from 25 balls at lunch, Lyth was soon into his stride in the afternoon session to help put on 81 for the first wicket with Jacques Rudolph.

Their partnership was broken when Rudolph edged Andy Carter to Alastair Cook for a well made 32, before Bradford-born Anthony McGrath quickly came and went for 11 to leave Yorkshire 104-2.

Fortunately that was as good as it got for Essex, with Lyth continuing his assault on the home bowlers.

At the interval Andrew Gale was unbeaten on 17, with Lyth only 34 runs shot of a fourth Championship century of the season.