A superb century from Joe Sayers put Yorkshire in control of their three-day match against Durham MCCU today.

He made 139 at the Racecourse Ground – marking his return to the Tykes side in style after bravely battling back from Post Viral Fatigue Syndrome, a condition linked with ME, over the past 12 months.

After passing three figures for the first time in the first-class game since June 2009, he admitted his innings made all the hard work worth it.

When he was eventually out he had spent almost six hours at the crease and his efforts were key in shifting the game Yorkshire’s way.

It helped the Tykes post a first-innings lead of 159, with David Wainwright also making an attractive 62 as they were bowled out for 355.

England fast bowler Ajmal Shahzad, playing in this game as he recovers from a hamstring injury, then picked up two wickets to further enhance the White Rose’s chances.

By the close, Durham MCCU had been reduced to 110-3, with Bradford-born Moin Ashraf taking the other wicket.

It left the students 49 runs behind Yorkshire with only seven second-innings wickets left.