Warwickshire’s openers, Rob Yates and Alex Davies, tormented Durham on the opening day of their Vitality County Championship Division One clash at Edgbaston, amassing a mammoth 490 for one.
Despite Durham’s decision to bowl first, Yates and Davies ruthlessly exploited the flat pitch and Kookaburra ball, piling on 343 runs for the opening wicket. It marked the second-highest championship opening stand for Warwickshire.
Yates, in particular, showcased his stylish strokeplay, hitting 25 fours and five sixes in his 191-run knock. Davies, the captain, displayed immense discipline and concentration, posting an unbeaten 226 with 25 fours and three sixes.
Durham’s bowling attack, featuring three debutants, struggled to contain the Warwickshire onslaught. Scott Boland, Callum Parkinson, and Colin Ackermann combined for just one wicket for 220 runs.
Warwickshire’s dominance continued after lunch, with Davies reaching his maiden double-century and Will Rhodes contributing an unbeaten 60. The pair added 147 runs in the final 34 overs of the day.
Durham’s decision to bowl first raised eyebrows, given the favorable batting conditions at Edgbaston. The visitors must now regroup and find a way to break through Warwickshire’s formidable batting lineup.
