Yorkshire v Kent, Scarborough, 3rd day

McGrath makes most of sunny Scarborough

John Ward at Scarborough

July 27, 2007

Yorkshire 208 for 2 (McGrath 107*, Younis 35*) trail Kent 486 (Denly 114, Stevens 87, Cook 50*) by 278 runs
Scorecard

Despite a day of unusually fine weather, the match between Yorkshire and Kent appears almost certain to end as a draw - though hardly a dull one judging by the entertainment served up so far. At the close of the third day, Yorkshire responded to Kent's 486 with 208 for 2.

A quietly appreciative crowd of nearly 3000 enjoyed thesunshine, as did the players, apart from the unfortunate fielder at long leg who failed to snaffle a top-edged hook from Anthony McGrath, then on 90, that reached him out of the sun just before the close. McGrath, who remained unbeaten on 107 at the close, was one of two highlights of the day, the other being a dashing partnership by Kent's tailenders.

Again Yorkshire's seamers made the batsmen fight for runs early on. Neil Dexter was the first batsman to fall, for 55, while Geraint Jones, still seeking his best form, battled to 43 off 104 balls. He was ninth out at 419, but then followed an exhilarating last-wicket partnership of 67 off just 48 balls.

Simon Cook lashed the bowling as he raced to an unbeaten 50 off 34 balls, the most remarkable stroke being a flat six over extra cover off Tim Bresnan. Martin Saggers contributed 11, including a six over midwicket off Adil Rashid, before he was caught on the boundary trying to repeat the stroke.

Only a serious Yorkshire batting collapse could have led to a genuine result, though Kent had early hopes as their seamers bowled very tidily early on; Yorkshire took eight overs to reach double figures. Joe Sayers struggled for 4 off 33 balls, but the second-wicket pair of Craig White and McGrath held firm.

White, with some luck, dropped anchor while McGrath sought to take the initiative. "Play safe" seemed to be the watchword during the middle session but, after tea, White expanded his repertoire, memorably pulling James Tredwell for six. However, on 49, he lunged at a ball from Cook outside the off stump, to be caught at the wicket.

Younis Khan (35 at the close) had a lucky escape on 3 when a slash evaded the slips, while McGrath passed his century with no further alarms, off 152 balls, his innings punctuated with trademark cover drives. The fourth day will see a fight for bonus points, all that most teams can salvage from their currently rain-ravaged programme.

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