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[VIDEOS] English County Season (2024)

Updated County Championship Division One Table (22-04-2024)​


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Updated County Championship Division Two Table (22-04-2024)​

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County Championship Division One 2024, Toss update:

Surrey vs Hampshire, 17th Match, Day 1

Surrey have won the toss and have opted to field

Warwickshire vs Nottinghamshire, 18th Match, Day 1

Nottinghamshire have won the toss and have opted to bat

Worcestershire vs Somerset, 19th Match, Day 1

Worcestershire have won the toss and have opted to field

Durham vs Essex, 16th Match, Day 1

Durham have won the toss and have opted to bat
 
County Championship Division Two 2024, Toss update:

Gloucestershire vs Middlesex, 13th Match, Day 1

Gloucestershire have won the toss and have opted to bat

Leicestershire vs Northamptonshire, 14th Match, Day 1

Leicestershire have won the toss and have opted to field

Yorkshire vs Derbyshire, 15th Match, Day 1

Derbyshire have won the toss and have opted to field
 

Vitality County Championship - Division One Table (29-04-2024)​



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Vitality County Championship - Division Two Table (29-04-2024)​

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Ben Wells announces retirement from professional cricket​


Gloucestershire wicketkeeper-batter Ben Wells has announced his retirement from professional cricket at the age of 23.

Ben’s enforced retirement comes after he was unexpectedly diagnosed with a heart condition called Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy (ARVC) following a routine heart screening during pre-season. The condition means that Ben needs to avoid vigorous exercise and as such is unable to continue playing professional cricket. Ben will now be fitted with an implantable cardiac defibrillator to help manage the condition and allow him to live a normal life away from the field of play.

While everyone at Gloucestershire is devastated for Ben, a hugely talented cricketer with a bright future ahead, we are incredibly grateful to both the Club’s medical professionals and those externally who acted quickly to diagnose Ben’s heart condition at the earliest opportunity. The Club, alongside the PCA, are actively supporting Ben through what is undoubtedly a very difficult time for him and his family.

Having realised his talents as a cricketer at Monkton Combe School near Bath, where he finished as the school’s all-time top run-scorer, Ben progressed through the ranks at Somerset’s Academy before completing his Physics degree at the University of Exeter and then signing for Gloucestershire in July 2021. The Club then supported Ben while he completed his Business Analytics Masters alongside his cricket commitments the following year.

A regular for Bath CC, for whom he has played more than 100 1st XI matches, Ben experienced a breakout year for Gloucestershire in 2023 particularly due to his explosive performances in the T20 Vitality Blast. A standout performance came against Hampshire Hawks in Bristol, when he hit a blistering 43* from just 22 balls to guide Gloucestershire to an eight-wicket win.

A Right-handed bat, Ben made his debut for Gloucestershire in List A cricket against Lancashire in July 2021 before making his first appearance in the County Championship against Glamorgan just two months later.

Having made 25 professional appearances across all-formats for Gloucestershire, his last performance for the Club was arguably his best; a magnificent 108* as the Shire defeated Durham by seven-wickets on the road to the Metro Bank Cup semi-final.

Ben will undoubtedly be a regular visitor to the Seat Unique Stadium having formed close friendships with many players and staff during his time in Bristol. He is an incredibly well-liked member of the dressing room and evidently talented cricketer, and his presence will be sorely missed both on and off the field, this season and beyond.

Club Captain at Gloucestershire Cricket, Graeme van Buuren, said: “All of us players and staff are absolutely gutted for Wellsy, he was playing some of the best cricket of his career last season and we were all so excited to see what he could achieve in 2024.

“Ben has dedicated so much time and effort to cricket and even scored a century with a torn hamstring last season, so that speaks volumes of his character and talents as a cricketer.

“Most importantly, however, we will dearly miss Ben as one of our brothers within the dressing room - he is a fantastic human being and a really loved member of the squad. All of us are supporting Ben through what he is going through and will no doubt stay in touch.”

Head Coach, Mark Alleyne, added: “Ben being forced into retirement is the news every sportsperson dreads. He was in a great space with his cricket thanks to an insatiable practice ethic.

“I first met Ben in 2021 when I was assisting the coaching group and he was an exciting talent then. In the three years that have followed Ben managed to transform that early promise into a cricketer that would impact most teams. I was looking forward to seeing him do it for Gloucestershire.

“On reflection though and after feeling the huge waves of disappointment from his teammates and coaching staff; we can look back knowing that a possible catastrophe has been averted. It is that thought that offers us, and Ben of course, a margin of relief and I know he will move forward with dedication and make an impact in whatever he chooses to do next.

“Ben will be greatly missed by this group of players and cricket fans alike.”

Martin Cropper, Personal Development Manager at the PCA, commented: “The PCA is devastated to hear Ben’s news, however, we are grateful for the safeguards within the professional game that have enabled an early detection of his condition. Ben is a diligent individual who has worked tirelessly to create an opportunity in professional cricket and we are saddened that his career has been cut short.

“As a PCA member for life, we will continue to provide holistic wraparound support for Ben and help prepare him for whatever comes after his cricket career. He has shown great dedication to his dual career aspirations through his degree, masters and work experience. Player welfare is central to the PCA‘s agenda and a case like Ben’s is a further example of why we will continue to lobby stakeholders to put greater protections in place for our members.”

At the request of Ben and his family, the Club would like to ask that Ben’s privacy is respected while he comes to terms with the diagnosis and premature end to his professional career.

www.gloscricket.co.uk

Ben Wells announces retirement from professional cricket | News | Gloucestershire Cricket

www.gloscricket.co.uk www.gloscricket.co.uk
 
FearlessRoar said:

Ben Wells announces retirement from professional cricket​


Gloucestershire wicketkeeper-batter Ben Wells has announced his retirement from professional cricket at the age of 23.

Ben’s enforced retirement comes after he was unexpectedly diagnosed with a heart condition called Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy (ARVC) following a routine heart screening during pre-season. The condition means that Ben needs to avoid vigorous exercise and as such is unable to continue playing professional cricket. Ben will now be fitted with an implantable cardiac defibrillator to help manage the condition and allow him to live a normal life away from the field of play.

While everyone at Gloucestershire is devastated for Ben, a hugely talented cricketer with a bright future ahead, we are incredibly grateful to both the Club’s medical professionals and those externally who acted quickly to diagnose Ben’s heart condition at the earliest opportunity. The Club, alongside the PCA, are actively supporting Ben through what is undoubtedly a very difficult time for him and his family.

Having realised his talents as a cricketer at Monkton Combe School near Bath, where he finished as the school’s all-time top run-scorer, Ben progressed through the ranks at Somerset’s Academy before completing his Physics degree at the University of Exeter and then signing for Gloucestershire in July 2021. The Club then supported Ben while he completed his Business Analytics Masters alongside his cricket commitments the following year.

A regular for Bath CC, for whom he has played more than 100 1st XI matches, Ben experienced a breakout year for Gloucestershire in 2023 particularly due to his explosive performances in the T20 Vitality Blast. A standout performance came against Hampshire Hawks in Bristol, when he hit a blistering 43* from just 22 balls to guide Gloucestershire to an eight-wicket win.

A Right-handed bat, Ben made his debut for Gloucestershire in List A cricket against Lancashire in July 2021 before making his first appearance in the County Championship against Glamorgan just two months later.

Having made 25 professional appearances across all-formats for Gloucestershire, his last performance for the Club was arguably his best; a magnificent 108* as the Shire defeated Durham by seven-wickets on the road to the Metro Bank Cup semi-final.

Ben will undoubtedly be a regular visitor to the Seat Unique Stadium having formed close friendships with many players and staff during his time in Bristol. He is an incredibly well-liked member of the dressing room and evidently talented cricketer, and his presence will be sorely missed both on and off the field, this season and beyond.

Club Captain at Gloucestershire Cricket, Graeme van Buuren, said: “All of us players and staff are absolutely gutted for Wellsy, he was playing some of the best cricket of his career last season and we were all so excited to see what he could achieve in 2024.

“Ben has dedicated so much time and effort to cricket and even scored a century with a torn hamstring last season, so that speaks volumes of his character and talents as a cricketer.

“Most importantly, however, we will dearly miss Ben as one of our brothers within the dressing room - he is a fantastic human being and a really loved member of the squad. All of us are supporting Ben through what he is going through and will no doubt stay in touch.”

Head Coach, Mark Alleyne, added: “Ben being forced into retirement is the news every sportsperson dreads. He was in a great space with his cricket thanks to an insatiable practice ethic.

“I first met Ben in 2021 when I was assisting the coaching group and he was an exciting talent then. In the three years that have followed Ben managed to transform that early promise into a cricketer that would impact most teams. I was looking forward to seeing him do it for Gloucestershire.

“On reflection though and after feeling the huge waves of disappointment from his teammates and coaching staff; we can look back knowing that a possible catastrophe has been averted. It is that thought that offers us, and Ben of course, a margin of relief and I know he will move forward with dedication and make an impact in whatever he chooses to do next.

“Ben will be greatly missed by this group of players and cricket fans alike.”

Martin Cropper, Personal Development Manager at the PCA, commented: “The PCA is devastated to hear Ben’s news, however, we are grateful for the safeguards within the professional game that have enabled an early detection of his condition. Ben is a diligent individual who has worked tirelessly to create an opportunity in professional cricket and we are saddened that his career has been cut short.

“As a PCA member for life, we will continue to provide holistic wraparound support for Ben and help prepare him for whatever comes after his cricket career. He has shown great dedication to his dual career aspirations through his degree, masters and work experience. Player welfare is central to the PCA‘s agenda and a case like Ben’s is a further example of why we will continue to lobby stakeholders to put greater protections in place for our members.”

At the request of Ben and his family, the Club would like to ask that Ben’s privacy is respected while he comes to terms with the diagnosis and premature end to his professional career.

www.gloscricket.co.uk

Ben Wells announces retirement from professional cricket | News | Gloucestershire Cricket

www.gloscricket.co.uk www.gloscricket.co.uk
Click to expand...
Wishing the best to Ben Wells,He's been diagnosed with the same condition as James Taylor.
 
Worcestershire County Cricket Club is heartbroken to announce the untimely passing of Josh Baker, who was aged only 20 years old

Josh turned professional with the Club in 2021 and quickly became a popular figure within the squad. More than his skills as a spin bowler, it was his vibrant spirit and infectious enthusiasm that endeared him to everyone he met. His warmth, kindness, and professionalism were remarkable, making him a true credit to his family and a loved member of our team.

Ashley Giles, Worcestershire’s Chief Executive Officer, shared his profound sadness, stating, “The news of Josh’s passing has left us all devastated.

“Josh was much more than a teammate; he was an integral part of our cricket family.

“We will all miss him terribly. All our love and prayers go out to Josh’s family and friends.”

During this profoundly difficult time, the Club is dedicated to supporting Josh’s family, friends, and colleagues. We are united in our grief and committed to honouring his memory in a manner befitting the remarkable person he was.

Plans to pay tribute to Josh will be made in consultation with his family and will remain private at this time. The Club, along with Josh’s family, requests the respect of privacy as we mourn this immense loss. No further comments will not be provided during this sensitive period.

wccc.co.uk

Worcestershire County Cricket Club Announces the Heartbreaking Passing of Josh Baker - Worcestershire CCC

Worcestershire County Cricket Club is heartbroken to announce the untimely passing of Josh Baker, who was aged only 20 years old. Josh turned professional with the Club in 2021 and quickly became a popular figure within the squad. More than his skills as a spin bowler, it was his vibrant spirit...
wccc.co.uk wccc.co.uk
 
FearlessRoar said:
Worcestershire County Cricket Club is heartbroken to announce the untimely passing of Josh Baker, who was aged only 20 years old

Josh turned professional with the Club in 2021 and quickly became a popular figure within the squad. More than his skills as a spin bowler, it was his vibrant spirit and infectious enthusiasm that endeared him to everyone he met. His warmth, kindness, and professionalism were remarkable, making him a true credit to his family and a loved member of our team.

Ashley Giles, Worcestershire’s Chief Executive Officer, shared his profound sadness, stating, “The news of Josh’s passing has left us all devastated.

“Josh was much more than a teammate; he was an integral part of our cricket family.

“We will all miss him terribly. All our love and prayers go out to Josh’s family and friends.”

During this profoundly difficult time, the Club is dedicated to supporting Josh’s family, friends, and colleagues. We are united in our grief and committed to honouring his memory in a manner befitting the remarkable person he was.

Plans to pay tribute to Josh will be made in consultation with his family and will remain private at this time. The Club, along with Josh’s family, requests the respect of privacy as we mourn this immense loss. No further comments will not be provided during this sensitive period.

wccc.co.uk

Worcestershire County Cricket Club Announces the Heartbreaking Passing of Josh Baker - Worcestershire CCC

Worcestershire County Cricket Club is heartbroken to announce the untimely passing of Josh Baker, who was aged only 20 years old. Josh turned professional with the Club in 2021 and quickly became a popular figure within the squad. More than his skills as a spin bowler, it was his vibrant spirit...
wccc.co.uk wccc.co.uk
Click to expand...
https://twitter.com/x/status/1786058787486584984
 
FearlessRoar said:
Worcestershire County Cricket Club is heartbroken to announce the untimely passing of Josh Baker, who was aged only 20 years old

Josh turned professional with the Club in 2021 and quickly became a popular figure within the squad. More than his skills as a spin bowler, it was his vibrant spirit and infectious enthusiasm that endeared him to everyone he met. His warmth, kindness, and professionalism were remarkable, making him a true credit to his family and a loved member of our team.

Ashley Giles, Worcestershire’s Chief Executive Officer, shared his profound sadness, stating, “The news of Josh’s passing has left us all devastated.

“Josh was much more than a teammate; he was an integral part of our cricket family.

“We will all miss him terribly. All our love and prayers go out to Josh’s family and friends.”

During this profoundly difficult time, the Club is dedicated to supporting Josh’s family, friends, and colleagues. We are united in our grief and committed to honouring his memory in a manner befitting the remarkable person he was.

Plans to pay tribute to Josh will be made in consultation with his family and will remain private at this time. The Club, along with Josh’s family, requests the respect of privacy as we mourn this immense loss. No further comments will not be provided during this sensitive period.

wccc.co.uk

Worcestershire County Cricket Club Announces the Heartbreaking Passing of Josh Baker - Worcestershire CCC

Worcestershire County Cricket Club is heartbroken to announce the untimely passing of Josh Baker, who was aged only 20 years old. Josh turned professional with the Club in 2021 and quickly became a popular figure within the squad. More than his skills as a spin bowler, it was his vibrant spirit...
wccc.co.uk wccc.co.uk
Click to expand...
I am devasted at this news. I have known Josh since he was 8 years old from the county districts and county age groups. I am at a loss for words. He was lovely lad, and sooner or later destined to play for England. RIP
 
County Championship Division One 2024: TOSS UPDATE


Somerset vs Essex, 21st Match, Day 1

Somerset have won the toss and have opted to field


Lancashire vs Kent, 20th Match, Day 1

Lancashire have won the toss and have opted to field
 
County Championship Division Two 2024: TOSS UPDATE


Yorkshire vs Glamorgan, 18th Match, Day 1

Glamorgan have won the toss and have opted to bat


Middlesex vs Leicestershire, 17th Match, Day 1

START DELAYED DUE TO RAIN


Derbyshire vs Sussex, 16th Match, Day 1

Sussex have won the toss and have opted to field
 
Sean Jarvis, Leicestershire's chief executive, while speaking to a sports platform, has urged the game not to create the same divide between haves and have-nots that is currently afflicting English football:

"We want to be playing in the first division and reaching the quarter-finals of white-ball competitions, and that's where we believe we're headed. But if you compare us to, say, Nottinghamshire, who have a Hundred team, T20 Blast matches, and now women's cricket, when you don't get these things it does knock you back. That's where I get frustrated with the ECB."

"This could be our Premier League moment, if we're not careful."

"It's the top six or seven clubs that call the tune. They are effectively protected all the time by the finances they generate, and it's the others that are at the beck and call of the trapdoor."

"If we get the Hundred decision right, it could catapult UK cricket internationally. That's what happened with the Premier League when it overtook the likes of Serie A and the Bundesliga. But we've got to be strong and not simply allow the big boys to become bigger and even stronger."

"There's got to be a way that protects all clubs, and that includes the recreational game as well because it will be detrimental to places like Leicestershire, Derbyshire, Kent, and Northants in the long term if they're not given that opportunity to come and sit at that table."
 
FearlessRoar said:
Worcestershire County Cricket Club is heartbroken to announce the untimely passing of Josh Baker, who was aged only 20 years old

Josh turned professional with the Club in 2021 and quickly became a popular figure within the squad. More than his skills as a spin bowler, it was his vibrant spirit and infectious enthusiasm that endeared him to everyone he met. His warmth, kindness, and professionalism were remarkable, making him a true credit to his family and a loved member of our team.

Ashley Giles, Worcestershire’s Chief Executive Officer, shared his profound sadness, stating, “The news of Josh’s passing has left us all devastated.

“Josh was much more than a teammate; he was an integral part of our cricket family.

“We will all miss him terribly. All our love and prayers go out to Josh’s family and friends.”

During this profoundly difficult time, the Club is dedicated to supporting Josh’s family, friends, and colleagues. We are united in our grief and committed to honouring his memory in a manner befitting the remarkable person he was.

Plans to pay tribute to Josh will be made in consultation with his family and will remain private at this time. The Club, along with Josh’s family, requests the respect of privacy as we mourn this immense loss. No further comments will not be provided during this sensitive period.

wccc.co.uk

Worcestershire County Cricket Club Announces the Heartbreaking Passing of Josh Baker - Worcestershire CCC

Worcestershire County Cricket Club is heartbroken to announce the untimely passing of Josh Baker, who was aged only 20 years old. Josh turned professional with the Club in 2021 and quickly became a popular figure within the squad. More than his skills as a spin bowler, it was his vibrant spirit...
wccc.co.uk wccc.co.uk
Click to expand...

Worcestershire have lost 'brilliant guy and fantastic cricketer'​


Worcestershire have lost "a brilliant guy and a fantastic cricketer" with the death of Josh Baker, says his former coach Shaftab Khalid.

West Mercia Police are not investigating the death of the 20-year-old spinner on Thursday having deemed there are no suspicious circumstances.

Khalid, the England Under-19s spin coach, worked with the left-armer as he came through the youth ranks with Worcestershire and England.

The senior coroner for Worcestershire has confirmed that he has received a referral reporting Baker's death.

“At this moment no further information is available until further investigations have taken place,” he added.

Baker's death was announced just a day after he took three wickets in a county second XI fixture against Somerset on Wednesday.

"It was devastating, having worked with him since he was 16," Khalid told BBC Sport.

"Worcestershire lost not just a very talented cricketer but also an amazing and wonderful human being. He was such a nice, humble and sweet person."

Born in Redditch, Baker made his first-class debut in 2021 and represented England Under-19s before signing a three-year contract with his home county last year.

He played 47 games in all formats, taking 70 wickets, including two County Championship appearances this season, the last against Durham in April.

Khalid, a former Worcestershire off-spinner, added: "He was very young when he got his professional contract but was trying to help his mates, to guide them - in a way like a big brother - to help them get a professional contract.

"Being such a young kid, he was the heart and soul of the dressing room. He got along very well with all the coaches. He was a Worcestershire boy so playing for his county and then the England Under-19s, the dream was coming true.

"He was an all-format cricketer and had a massive future, but unfortunately you never know what's going to happen in life. It's a massive lesson for everyone. He will be truly missed."

www.bbc.com

Josh Baker death: Worcestershire have lost "brilliant guy and fantastic cricketer", says former coach

Worcestershire have lost "a brilliant guy and a fantastic cricketer" with the passing of Josh Baker, says his former coach Shaftab Khalid.
www.bbc.com
 

PCA warns county cricket schedule could result in ‘disaster’ without cuts​


The Professional Cricketers Association has called for a cut in domestic cricket, warning that fixture congestion is compromising performance and could even result in “disaster” on the roads as exhausted players bounce from match to match.

Figures released by the union after a country-wide study at the start of the current season show that 81% of men’s players have concerns about the physical strain of the schedule and the heightened risk of injury, while 62% expressed similar worries about the impact on mental health. Two-thirds of PCA members believe there is too much domestic cricket, with the union calling the schedule “unfit for purpose”.

“There is a large number of players who don’t think the schedule is conducive to high-level performance,” said Joe Root, the former England captain, speaking in support of the findings. “If we can make the players safer and the output of the games a higher quality, English cricket is going to be winning full stop.”

The squeeze on the T20 Blast appears of particular concern, with the PCA noting 55 back-to-back fixtures for teams in 2024, up from 34 last summer. On the back of this comes a call for minimum standards regarding the number of rest days, as well as travel and accommodation provisions to ease late-night turnarounds.

Gloucestershire provide one example in June, with evening Blast games in Cardiff and Bristol on a Thursday and Friday before travelling 270 miles to Scarborough for a four-day match against Yorkshire that starts at 11am on the Sunday.

“Back-to-back games have gone up considerably, and only looked at through a commercial lens,” said Daryl Mitchell, the PCA’s chief operating officer. “We understand that, but there needs to be a balance. There are reports of players who have got off the team bus, driven home and forgotten how they got there, almost on autopilot. We want to pre-empt it before anything disastrous happens.

“Our chief executive, Rob [Lynch] is worried about getting the call in the early hours of the morning when someone has driven off the M1. That scares us. [Our research shows] 76% of players have concerns about safety when travelling. I don’t think it needs to be a massive reduction [in games] but we need to create some space.”

There are 78 days of cricket scheduled for county first XIs this season (excluding white-ball knockout stages), with 14 Championship matches per side, 14 group games in the T20 Blast, and eight in the One Day Cup. (Should players feature in the Hundred, which has eight group games, they miss the latter).

This actually represents a drop from 2010, for example, when teams played 16 four-day matches, 16 Blast group games and 12 in the Pro40. One difference is the arrival of the Hundred, which has pushed the Blast out of the school holidays and seen counties respond with more Thursday and Friday fixtures to boost crowds.

Achieving a further reduction will be problematic, not least after a move to cut the Championship in 2022 was thwarted by county memberships. And this expression of angst from the PCA notably comes while the next County Partnership Agreement – including the split of revenues from the next broadcast deal – is being negotiated.

At the same time, the England and Wales Cricket Board is forging ahead with a plan to privatise teams in the Hundred, a seismic change to the fabric of the sport but one that is likely to appeal to a county network battling rising costs and saddled with around £200 million of debt collectively.

Enticed by a potential windfall – some projections say as much as £500m could be raised by this process – the 18 first-class counties and MCC have until 10 May to give a “non-binding” agreement to further explore this “direction of travel”.

Under the proposals, the eight host counties would be handed a majority 51% share of their Hundred side to keep or sell as they see fit, with the ECB selling the remaining 49%. The proceeds from the latter would be split between the counties and MCC, with 10% going to the recreational game.

Investors, expected to include those from the Indian Premier League, will be able to buy shares from both sides of the sale to claim a majority stake in a particular Hundred team. In turn they would receive up to 80% of revenues from ticket sales, sponsorship and the broadcast deal.

www.theguardian.com

PCA warns county cricket schedule could result in ‘disaster’ without cuts

Men’s players are worried about the physical and mental strain of the busy fixture list and there are also concerns about safety when travelling to matches
www.theguardian.com www.theguardian.com
 
It's been a decent contest. Bell Drummond is holding it together, riding his luck, and putting away bad balls. Also witnessed the sharp reflexes of Nathan Lyon.

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It has been a good contest so far, a roller coaster for Mickey Arthur and Shan Masood, who are yet to win a game. I guess due to The Hundred, the window of the County Championship has been affected. It was more fun and interesting when the County Championship was happening in the summer.

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Yorkshire opener Fin Bean is confident he can put bowlers in a spin now that his ability to play the turning ball has developed significantly over the last few months

Bean, aged 22, scored a fabulous career best 173 during the most recent Vitality County Championship draw against Glamorgan at Headingley, sharing a double century partnership with England legend Joe Root in the process.

It was an aggressive innings, compiled off 189 balls with 24 fours and five sixes.

And it came on the back of a winter’s work which included a 10-day England Lions led batting camp in Mumbai through January, focused on playing against spin.

“In the winter, one of my work-ons was boundary options against spin,” said the Studley Royal product. “The ECB put me on that trip to Mumbai, and that looks like it’s paid off. I’ve just got that more aggressive side, which is pleasing.”

Mind you, Bean’s desire to progress against spin dates back long before January.

You can go back to his first-class debut against Lancashire at Emirates Old Trafford in early September 2022 when he posted scores of 42 and 25 in a draw.

“I’ve not really experienced much rough before,” said Bean, earlier this week as he reflected on his innings against Glamorgan.

“On my debut, there was quite a bit at Old Trafford, and I was a bit taken aback. I didn’t really know what to do.

“Then I had a chat to Keaton Jennings after that game, and I’ve had two trips to India (including a Yorkshire batting camp the winter before last). I feel like I’ve come on leaps and bounds.

“The first time you’re exposed to it since, to perform like that is pretty pleasing.”

Sorry, Fin. Did we read that correct? A Lancashire captain helping a Yorkshire opener? Whatever next!

“He was very open, and he’s such a nice guy,” continued Bean, of his fellow left-hander Jennings, who is a notoriously good player of spin bowling.

“It was just (talking about) when he plays certain shots and to what fields. If they had a man at 45, he’d look to slog-sweep and things like. Reverse sweeps as well. It was more about scoring.

“I’ve actually got it written down on my phone.”

Bean has got plenty of batting experience and expertise at his disposal as he looks to develop his game, be it the likes of assistant coach Ali Maiden or second-team coach Tom Smith, who also opened the batting as a left-hander.

Then you have England stars Root and Harry Brook, who have been back with Yorkshire during the early stages of the season.

Asked if he has bent the ears of Root and Brook, Bean continued: “I use Lythy a lot and Mala, with them being left-handed. The game-plans are slightly different. It’s easier to talk to them about things.

“But just to hear how Rooty’s playing certain bowlers and his plans is good to learn from.

“He’s just so busy. You look up and he’s on 30 off 20 balls, and it’s remarkable how he goes about it. It’s definitely something to learn from, and he’s just so positive and aggressive.”

The Glamorgan 173 was Bean’s first hundred of the summer and the fourth of his 21-game first-class career.

“I feel like I’ve been playing well, just the scores haven’t come,” he added.“Thankfully it has done, and it settles things going forward for the rest of the season.

“One thing from last year, I didn’t get them big hundreds. Coming into this season, I wanted to get big hundreds – even double hundreds. You have plenty of bad days, so when you have the good days it’s about making them count and get as many as you can.”

yorkshireccc.com

Bean's winter work is rewarded - Yorkshire County Cricket Club

Yorkshire opener Fin Bean is confident he can put bowlers in a spin now that his ability to play the turning ball has developed significantly over the last few months.
yorkshireccc.com yorkshireccc.com
 
Indian seamer Siddarth Kaul has been signed by Northamptonshire for their next three County Championship fixtures, replacing Chris Tremain.
 
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