The return to form of Jack Brooks proves crucial for Yorkshire
Finally, Yorkshire gave the performance everyone has been expecting from them, especially after a narrow escape when they secured a draw in Somerset a while back.
Their bowling was top class, characterized by discipline and control as they limited Middlesex, the Division One leaders, to only one batting point. Overall, this shows us how surprising the games can be week in week out. The entire betting platform comes to life every time as no one really knows what to expect and you can find out more information on betting odds for your cricket predictions here.
James Franklin surely showed up for the party this time round. However, the man of the moment at Yorkshire this time around was Jack Brooks, who, after being wicketless in Taunton, made his return from a ten-day break. His passion and desire to make his mark is evident as he still celebrates his every wicket like his first, despite this being his third season at Headingley since leaving Northamptonshire.
Brooks was absolutely superb the entire time. No one seemed to stand in his path as he took out the prized wickets of Joe Burns and Sam Robson. This put Yorkshire in the driving seat as they came back for the afternoon session which ended with Middlesex being all out for 212.
Middlesex had their plan set for a recovery as they replied by reducing Yorkshire to 52 for 4 with Jack Leaning and Jonny Bairstow leading the recovery battle. A large amount of credit for this goes to the three-and-a-half hour 70 from Nick Compton. The 31-year-old proved once again that he is the right person to hold the team together whenever they are in a tough situation and his influence can never be overlooked.
The morning session saw Brooks perform at his best and Steve Patterson bowled consistently from the other end, preventing Compton from scoring a single run for an agonizing 40 minutes.
However, this did not seem to bother him as he said in the press conference later, adding that he always knows that he is in the game as long as he stays patient. Compton’s patience on the pitch does not translate to patience in relation to his England career, though. He admitted that he is desperate to get back in the England squad and believes that he will cause the Australian side big problems if he is to be picked.
The only negative note for Yorkshire in the game was Ryan Sidebottom, who seemed uncomfortable shaking off a calf injury he sustained in the opening fixture. He was supposed to make his comeback in this game but pulled out as he was warming up.
Will Rhodes benefited from this as it meant that he got to keep his position at least for the next couple of weeks as Sidebottom makes his recovery.