Adam Lyth reflects on superb innings as Yorkshire prepare to welcome Shan Masood

It was Lyth’s highest County Championship score at the venue, and his 30th century in first-class cricket.

“Today was one of my best knocks for the club,” said Lyth, the 35-year-old left-handed opener.

“I felt like I’d been hitting the ball well all season, just not kicking on and getting that big score.”

Lyth has been standing in as captain while Yorkshire await the arrival of new club skipper Masood, who will debut in the next Championship match, against Durham at Chester-le-Street, starting on Thursday.

The Pakistani will take charge of a side buoyed by a valiant escape, with George Hill (60) and Jordan Thompson (55 not out) also making key contributions.

“Jordan showed a lot of skill and heart, and George has looked in great form without getting the runs. I’m really pleased for them both,” said Lyth.

“Beany (Fin Bean) has also got to take a lot of credit.

"For us to stand any chance of seeing the day out, or even potentially having a dip at it (a 492 target), was all down to the opening partnership, and we put on almost 100 together.”

Yorkshire sent out Jonny Bairstow at No 3 in an effort to chase down the runs, but the England man went for a ninth-ball duck. Bairstow will play again at Chester-le-Street as he prepares for the summer internationals.

“If Jonny bats 45 or 50 overs, there’s going to be some damage,” said Lyth. “That plan didn’t work out unfortunately, but everyone showed bravery and skill.

“This team has got a lot of heart and a bit of Yorkshire grit. They outplayed us pretty much for four days, but we still came out with a draw.”

Now Lyth and his colleagues want greater consistency.

“We haven’t yet played consistent, good cricket for four days, and we need to do that to win games,” he added.

“We’ve got to learn quickly, but there’s a lot of positives to come out of this game; it’s not all doom and gloom.

“We have been below par, there’s no hiding behind that, and we want to be better.”