Yorkshire at 150: Good start laid foundations for success

CHRIS SILVERWOOD, who finished Yorkshire’s second-highest wicket-taker in their 2001 County Championship triumph, despite playing only half the games, believes the tone for a successful summer was set from the outset.

A four-wicket win in the opening match against Kent at Canterbury, achieved in the very last over at 6.30pm, laid down a marker for the rest of the campaign and gave the side the confidence it could go and win the crown.

Silverwood, now coaching at Essex, recalled how Gary Fellows led Yorkshire over the line with an unbeaten innings of 43.

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What he modestly neglected to mention, however, was that his five-wicket haul on the opening day put Yorkshire into a strong position and created the platform for a morale-boosting victory.

“The catalyst for me that year was the win against Kent,” said Silverwood, who took 33 wickets at 19.51 despite playing only eight games due to an ankle injury.

“After that, everything we touched turned to gold and there was no stopping the lads. That game really stands out for me because Gary Fellows played a great little innings to lead us home.”

The only man who took more wickets than Silverwood was Steve Kirby (47), who never looked back after capturing seven on debut. And Silverwood is quick to pay tribute to his pace partner.

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“Kirbs made a dramatic impact that year,” he said. “He was such a great character and there are probably people making a living telling stories about him.

“When Kirbs came into the team he was very quiet to start with, but, as soon as he got the ball in his hand, he turned into a lunatic.

“He said a few things that made us all laugh but what he did do all year was get important wickets and he played a major role.”