TRENT BRIDGE — Yorkshire's rising star Finlay Bean delivered a masterclass in batting with a career-best 224 against Nottinghamshire on day three of their County Championship clash, propelling his side to 414-6 but still leaving them 73 runs behind the hosts' first-innings total of 487.
The 22-year-old left-hander, playing just his 16th first-class match, batted for nearly nine hours across two days, facing 377 balls and hitting 28 boundaries in a display of patience, technique, and controlled aggression. His double century — Yorkshire's first of the season — came after Nottinghamshire had dominated the early stages of the match.
A Coming-of-Age Innings
Bean's knock represented more than just personal milestones; it was a statement of intent from a player increasingly seen as Yorkshire's long-term solution at the top of the order. "It's the innings I've been working towards," Bean told reporters after stumps. "To do it in a tough situation, with the team under pressure, makes it even more satisfying."
The innings showcased Bean's ability to adapt:
- Survived a testing new-ball spell from England's Stuart Broad (1-62)
- Accelerated after reaching his century, scoring his second hundred in just 127 balls
- Formed crucial partnerships, including 153 with Joe Root (73) and 98 with Jonny Tattersall (48*)
Nottinghamshire's Frustrations
The home side's bowlers toiled on a flattening pitch, with only spinner Liam Patterson-White (3-109) finding consistent success. Nottinghamshire captain Haseeb Hameed rotated seven bowlers but couldn't break Yorkshire's resistance until late in the day.
"Credit to Finlay — he played magnificently," said Hameed. "We created half-chances but couldn't capitalize. The pitch has gotten better, but we're still ahead in the game."
Key Moments
The match turned during two pivotal sessions:
- Morning session: Bean and Root added 119 without loss, shifting momentum
- Post-tea: Bean's acceleration took Yorkshire past 400, denying Nottinghamshire bonus points
What the Numbers Say
Bean's 224 is:
- The highest score by a Yorkshire batter at Trent Bridge since 2003
- Only the 7th double century by a Yorkshire opener since 2010
- The 4th highest individual score in this season's County Championship
Statistician Andrew Samson noted: "At 22 years 148 days, Bean is the youngest Yorkshire player to hit a double century since Joe Root in 2013. The parallels are striking."
The Road Ahead
With Yorkshire still trailing by 73, the match hangs in the balance. Weather forecasts suggest possible interruptions on day four, adding strategic complexity. Nottinghamshire will aim for quick wickets to force a result, while Yorkshire — with Tattersall and Jordan Thompson (12*) at the crease — could push for parity.
Coach Ottis Gibson praised his young opener: "Finlay showed the temperament we've seen in glimpses. To deliver under scoreboard pressure against an attack featuring Broad speaks volumes about his character."
As for Bean, the modest Yorkshireman downplayed his achievement: "It's nice to contribute, but the job's not done. We need to get as close to their total as possible, then see what happens."
With England's Test summer approaching, such innings won't go unnoticed. While likely too early for senior selection, Bean has certainly staked his claim as one of county cricket's most promising young batters.
Play resumes at 11am BST on day four, with Yorkshire needing 74 to avoid the follow-on. The match, streamed live on the ECB website, could yet produce a thrilling finish despite the placid pitch.