Martyn Moxon, Yorkshire's director of cricket, praised Joe Sayers for his remarkable innings in yesterday's LV County Championship victory over Durham.

He said: "I put it right up there with one of the best I have ever seen. It was absolutely outstanding and I cannot praise Joe high enough for his concentration, determination, bravery and skill."

Sayers said: "I am very happy with the way I approached the innings from a mental point of view and pleased that it helped the team to win the match.

"I am beginning to understand my role in the Championship side which is occupation of the crease for long period so that we can make good use of the later sessions.

"I met up with Geoff Boycott in Cape Town during the winter and he was a valuable source of help. His advice was priceless for a young player and when I returned to England he sent me a letter of encouragement for the new season."