Hall satisfied with County’s return to bowling form

The County were off the boil at Headingley in their previous outing but made the most of bowler-friendly conditions on the first day as they skittled Lancashire for just 119 and Hall stated that a focus on the basic principles had paid dividends.

He said: “After last week we spoke about getting the ball in better places and we still feel we bowled too many boundary balls but we have to be happy with how we bowled today.

“It was good to see that all the bowler’s stayed really focused and put the ball in the right area.

“We don’t expect the second innings to be quite as easy and it will be up to us to stay patient and try to put them under some pressure.”

The County inserted the visitors after winning the toss but they hold just a 14-run advantage with two first innings wickets remaining and Hall is unsure as to who holds the advantage.

He added: “It was a very interesting day and I’m not sure which way it’s going at the moment. It’s definitely gone forward that’s for sure.

“This morning the wicket looked a bit green and there was a bit of green when the ball pitched but I don’t think we thought that 18 wickets would fall on the first day.

“It’s now up to us to try and get a bit of a lead tomorrow.”

Hall was the pick of the bowlers at Headingley and picked up a couple of Lancashire wickets to continue his good form.

“I’m very happy with how it’s going,” he said.

I felt really positive coming back from the Caribbean and I’m pleased with how I’ve been bowling so far. Hopefully it can continue.”