Headingley has seen some truly astonishing performances during 2017. Perhaps the most impressive of them all was Adam Lyth’s remarkable 161 during the T20 fixture against Northamptonshire. Indeed, as a team we only missed out on equalling the world record T20 total by 3 runs during the same match. It really was a very special occasion.
The Championship campaign was a far more nerve-shredding affair. Were it not for an extremely gutsy 8th wicket partnership in our last home match of the season we could well have been relegated. We can perhaps take some small solace from the fact that the new Champions, Essex, are coached by 2 ex-Yorkshire players! They were more than worthy winners, having gone through the whole season unbeaten.
Away from the playing side, the more observant of you will have noticed that the rugby stadium is now missing a stand. The demolition work has also begun on our side. The view from the top section of the shared stand was sometimes called “the best view in English cricket”, but I’m certain that what will rise in its place will be equally impressive. We’re still on-course to open the new stand in time for the Ashes Test and World Cup fixtures in 2019. The complexities surrounding the building process itself will certainly give rise to some challenges during the 2018 season.
However, I’m sure that the players and umpires will cope with good grace….although I’m not expecting the latter to be able to hear any faint nicks through to the wicketkeeper over the din of diggers!
I hope that those of you who are new to Headingley will be able to come and join us at some stage during 2018. Whilst the stadium itself might be looking a touch chaotic, I assure you that the cricket will continue to be of the highest standard. In the meantime, please keep your fingers crossed for our very own Joe Root, Jonny Bairstow and Gary Ballance as they travel to the other side of the planet to do battle for what must be the smallest trophy in world sport. Good luck lads!”
Mark Arthur
Chief Executive, Yorkshire Country Cricket Club
