Yorkshire CCC’s Adam Lyth happy to strap the pads on again to face Durham in season opener

Adam Lyth is a case in point, the Yorkshire batsman insisting that it has afforded him the chance to recharge his batteries away from the game.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time away from cricket,” he said. “I didn’t really think too much about cricket at all.

“I’ve got a young family, and seeing my little daughter grow up has been priceless.

“You don’t really get those times (when the season is on). I know a lot of the younger lads have been chomping at the bit to get back, but I’ve really enjoyed that time away.”

As Yorkshire prepare to finally get their county season underway today, Lyth insists that he has never felt fresher and more energised.

Evidence of his recharged state came in the opening pre-season friendly against Lancashire at Headingley, when he scored 108 retired out, followed by an innings of 60 at the same ground against Durham, today’s opponents in the Bob Willis Trophy in the north-east.

“It’s nice to be back into it again and I feel as ready as I’ve ever been for a season,” said Lyth.

“I felt a bit of excitement and nerves going out to play Lancashire, and it’s nice to get those feelings back.

“It was good to put a marker down for the season ahead with a century, because you can’t beat time in the middle and scoring hundreds.

“I felt a little bit sore afterwards, though, as it’s been a long time since we were out there playing.”

There were times when it seemed as if no county cricket would be possible this year due to the pandemic.

Yorkshire’s County Championship season should have started on April 12 at home to Gloucestershire – all of 111 days ago.

“After about the sixth or seventh week of lockdown, I thought there’s no way we’re going to be playing this year,” added Lyth.

“So it’s brilliant to be able to get the whites on, put the pads on and face some competitive bowling once again.

“It’s going to be different with no crowds around at the moment, but it doesn’t affect me whether there’s nobody there or 15,000; I just shut the noise out.

“When you’re batting you don’t really hear it anyway; it’s just you versus the bowler and you just try and concentrate solely on the ball.”

Lyth is a fan of the Bob Willis Trophy, which will be followed by the T20 Blast from late August onwards.

All 18 counties have an opportunity to win both competitions, and Lyth sees no reason why it should not be Yorkshire.

“We believe that we can potentially do that,” he said.

“A Lord’s final (in the Bob Willis Trophy) and/or a T20 Finals Day would be great.

“As I say, it’s just nice to be playing competitive cricket, and to know that there’s a trophy at the end of it (in the Bob Willis competition).

“If we play some good cricket, you never know, but there’s a long way to go and we’ll have to play well.”

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