150 not out...

Now, as the last embers of the once mighty coal industry flicker with increasing uncertainty, the club is having to turn to the school classroom to find its latest recruits – as evidenced by 15-year-old Matthew Fisher’s call-up to become the county cricket’s youngest post-war player.

Still too young to vote, drive a car or buy alcohol, Matthew’s deserved debut – where he made his mark with both bat and ball at Scarborough – honours sport’s timeless adage that “if you’re good enough. you’re old enough”.

Yet, on a day of nostalgia at Westminster when politicians and players reminisced about Yorkshire’s rich history, it is significant – and timely – that this sporting institution can look to the future with strong grounds for optimism thanks to the emergence of a clutch of young players whose enthusiasm, commitment and passion for cricket is infectious.