Yorkshire Openers Dominate Gloucestershire with Mammoth Partnership

Yorkshire's opening duo of Adam Lyth and Fin Bean dominated day one of their Vitality County Championship clash against Gloucestershire, amassing a mammoth 307-run partnership at Scarborough. Lyth, a former England opener, continued his impressive form with his fourth century of the season, while Bean notched up his maiden first-class hundred.

Lyth, who hails from nearby Whitby, has a special affinity for the Scarborough ground, having scored four centuries there in the Championship. His latest ton came off 243 balls, while Bean's 164 came off 250 deliveries, including six leg-side sixes.

Gloucestershire's decision to bowl first after winning the toss backfired as Lyth and Bean seized control of the match. The visiting bowlers struggled to build any pressure on the Yorkshire openers, who advanced serenely throughout the day.

Lyth and Bean's partnership surpassed the previous highest opening partnership on the Scarborough ground in first-class cricket, set by Hobbs and Sutcliffe in 1931. It was also Yorkshire's first triple-century opening partnership in 10 years.

However, Gloucestershire managed to break the partnership in the 81st over when van Buuren dismissed Bean for 164. Lyth followed soon after, bowled by Singh Dale for 129. James Wharton was the third wicket to fall, caught behind off Webster.

Despite the late wickets, Yorkshire closed the day on a strong position at 348 for 3. The hosts will be confident of extending their lead on day two and putting Gloucestershire under further pressure.

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