Sidebottom signs contract extension with Yorkshire

After a full morning’s play, despite heavy overnight rain, only two overs were possible in the afternoon session.

The first over after the break from Mitchell Starc was dismissed for 18 runs by Stewart Walters, who remains unbeaten on 37.

The hosts had won the toss and predictably opted to bat first on a pitch that looked short of pace, bounce and movement, despite the damp conditions.

Gareth Rees (35) and William Bragg (20) added 55 for the first wicket before Starc struck twice in nine balls to remove both openers.

Bragg edged a lifter behind and Rees was lbw when attempting to turn to leg.

Azeem Rafiq, introduced as early as the tenth over, dived to hold a stunning return catch to account for Australian Marcus North to claim the Tykes' third wicket.

Yorkshire’s third visit to the North Wales ground, after recording draws in 2003 and 2004, marks the halfway point in a Championship summer where rain has blighted all eight matches the Tykes have played.

Yorkshire made two changes from the team that drew with Northamptonshire at Headingley last week.

Jonny Bairstow, on England duty ahead of the third Test, is replaced by Gerard Brophy behind the stumps and Adil Rashid joins Rafiq in a two-pronged spin attack.

Meanwhile, Ryan Sidebottom has signed a one-year extension to his contract that will see him remain a Yorkshire player until the end of the 2014 season.

But with rain setting in on the Welsh coast and the forecast gloomy for the next couple of days, there is little else for the large contingent of travelling Tykes to smile about beneath their umbrellas.

One man with a big smile was Sidebottom, who said: “It’s great news to sign a new contract and I’m absolutely delighted.

"I still totally love the game, the banter in the dressing room and the young lads here, but first and foremost I still feel fit and the ball is coming out well. I’ve always wanted to play as long as possible.”