Picture by Allan McKenzie/SWPix.com. Yorkshire’s bowling coach Mick Lewis was on media duties at the end of day three.
“Some of our decision-making with both bat and ball wasn’t up to scratch, and that’s disappointing.”
That was bowling coach Mick Lewis’s assessment of Yorkshire’s performance across the last two days at Edgbaston after they failed to capitalise on an excellent day one display.
The county were unable to capitalise on bowling Warwickshire out for 147 in their first innings and are now 98-5 heading into the final day having been set a victory target of 549.
Warwickshire, with both bat and ball, have dominated the last two days to leave Yorkshire with their backs firmly against the wall.
“The boys are disappointed with the way they’ve actually gone about it the last two days, both batting and bowling,” said the Australian. “Friday we were in a really good position, and then to squander that early morning yesterday was disappointing.
“Look, the guys are trying. Sometimes the breaks don’t go your way, and it’s a common theme at the moment.
“The Somerset win obviously was a great win, beating a pretty good side and a pretty well-drilled unit.
“Then, Friday, the way we bowled, everyone’s confidence was up. But cricket’s a great leveller.”
Yorkshire have played some impressive cricket at stages, but they have mixed good with bad. A lack of consistency has been an issue so far.
Lewis said: “The thing this year when you actually look at it, each game we haven’t really had a settled side. Obviously, the first game we had Jonny getting injured and then the next game Jhye and Jack went down with their illnesses.
“And obviously Sammy Whiteman as well in the last couple of weeks.
“We just need to settle that side down a bit, and then the rest of it is difficult to put a finger on because the guys are training hard and are talking a good game. It’s just when we get out there and the pressure’s on that we’re getting found out a bit.”
And on the plan of action for tomorrow’s survival bid, Lewis added: “We’re just going to have to take it hour by hour tomorrow.
“It’s going to be a hard challenge for us, but we’ve still got some batting in the sheds and Rev is playing beautifully at the moment.
“You never know what could happen. We all pray for miracles, and we’ll front up with a smile on our face and see what happens.”