The first double-hundred of Alex Hales’ career helped Nottinghamshire into a position of strength on the opening day of their LV= County Championship match against Yorkshire at Trent Bridge.
The England limited-overs international was unbeaten on 222 not out as the hosts reached 393 for seven by stumps, having been invited to bat first.
Hales scored his runs from 250 balls, with 37 fours and a maximum and shared in a third-wicket stand of 171 with James Taylor, who compiled 59.
Steven Patterson, with 2-58, and Jack Brooks, 2-90, returned the leading figures for the Yorkshire bowlers on a tough day for the champions.
Hales passed three figures for the 10th time in his career, spoiling the return of Andrew Gale, back skippering Yorkshire again after serving a four-match suspension.
200 for Alex Hales #NottsvYorks pic.twitter.com/DPgVdU2UQO
— Nottinghamshire CCC (@TrentBridge) April 19, 2015
Gale rotated all seven bowlers at his disposal but all found it difficult to put the brake on Hales’ scoring. In general, too much width was offered to the 26-year-old and he capitalised fully to reach his century from 131 balls and his 150 from 173.
Taylor was a perfect foil for his England World Cup team-mate, content to play the supportive role in reaching his own fifty from 89 balls, with nine fours.
Yorkshire’s spirits were lifted just before the tea interval when Brooks struck twice in an over, snaring Taylor lbw and then providing enough temptation for Samit Patel to nudge one into the hands of Alex Lees at first slip.
Riki Wessels made 18 before falling just before the taking of the second new ball, guiding Nottingham-born Will Rhodes to second slip.
Hales went past his previous best of 184, made against Somerset in 2011, and then had his only two scares of the day, against Patterson. An uppish chip to mid-on was totally missed by Rhodes, who claimed he lost the flight of the ball.
Yes @AlexHales1 ! Good lad 200* getting Notts in a great position against the County Champions. Double it up! @TrentBridge
— Stuart Broad (@StuartBroad8) April 19, 2015
On 197 a huge shout for lbw was turned down by umpire Russell Evans, to the dismay of the entire fielding unit.
A four off Tim Bresnan eased home nerves, though, and a standing ovation was duly afforded Hales for reaching the 200 landmark from 234 deliveries.
He will return tomorrow morning, after the final over of the day was cut short following the dismissal of Will Gidman, also caught in the slip cordon, off Patterson.
Nottinghamshire’s openers both made 27 before the visiting attack struck twice during the morning session.
Steven Mullaney was given out lbw to Patterson, beaten by one that came back and missed the inside edge.
Great day for us and also one of the best knocks I've seen from @AlexHales1 . #gun #nottsccc
— Steven Mullaney (@Mull05) April 19, 2015
Brendan Taylor, who had scored centuries in both of his first-class appearances this season, became a notable first scalp for Matthew Fisher, who at 17 years and 161 days was Yorkshire’s sixth youngest debutant.
Hales said: “It’s a very proud day for me to make that score against the county champions and against a very good attack.
"I’m very pleased with how the day has gone, it has been one of those days where all the shots I’ve tried have come off.
"They bowled pretty well at me in the morning session but I knew if I got through it, it would become easier and I’d be alright.”
Yorkshire skipper Gale said: “We weren’t at our best today but fair play to Alex Hales. I thought he played really well – a chanceless innings really – but we only bowled to 60 or 70 per cent of our potential.
"It was a good toss to win, there was plenty in the wicket in the first session but we didn’t utilise it."
Not at our very best today. Lads put in a good effort though. Alex Hales played very well. Looking forward to tomorrow. #strongunit#YCCC
— Jason Gillespie (@YCCCDizzy) April 19, 2015