Yorkshire have better of Headingley friendly against Durham

But there were plenty of positives to take from the few hours of action that did take place, with both bat and ball.

Not least for England international Harry Brook, who is about to play in Yorkshire’s first five Vitality County Championship Division Two matches.

The Keighley-born star, who grew up in Burley-in-Wharfedale, had not played a game for several months, having withdrawn from England’s Test tour of India over the winter following the death of his beloved grandmother.

But the 25-year-old played like he had never been away from the crease on Sunday afternoon, as he hit a sparkling 74 not out from just 42 balls, carting the Durham attack all around the ground.

He was ably supported by two rising stars of the Yorkshire team, with James Wharton scoring 58 not out and George Hill managing 48, as the hosts ended the day on 196-2, having only been in bat for 30 overs.

Durham had twice as long at the crease, and they did well to last 60 overs, after slumping to 45-5 inside the first hour or so despite having elected to bat first.

Matt Milnes and Mickey Edwards shared the first four wickets to fall between them, with Dom Leech picking up the fifth in only the 17th over of the day.

Matt Milnes had a rotten time with injury in 2023, but he is showing some promise ahead of Yorkshire's upcoming Vitality County Championship Division Two campaign. (Image: Ray Spencer.)

But Brydon Carse led a fine recovery job, clubbing an eye-catching 76 from 92 balls in the middle order.

Well supported by his team-mates, he helped Durham post 235-9, despite spinner Dan Moriarty excelling in the afternoon session for Yorkshire and finishing with figures of 3-47.

Sadly, persistent Easter Monday rain meant the second day was a total washout, even if Sunday’s action did at least act as useful preparation for Yorkshire’s Championship opener at home to Leicestershire, which gets underway this Friday.