Gillespie wants equanimity from Yorkshire in title hunt

The Yorkshire first-team coach said he does not want his players to get ahead of themselves after they consolidated their position in the leading pack with the better of a draw against Somerset at Taunton.

Three wins and two draws from their opening six games has raised hopes that Yorkshire could finally end their 12-year wait for the Championship trophy.

It would be all the sweeter in this, the club’s 150th anniversary year, but although Yorkshire are firmly in the mix at present, Gillespie sounded a note of realism. Asked whether Yorkshire are genuine contenders, the former Australia fast bowler said: “That is looking a bit far ahead; we’re just focusing on each challenge as we get to it.

“I’m not saying we’re not challengers, but if you start looking too far ahead you do take your eye off what’s in front of you.

“We have to respect each and every game we play and each and every opponent, because Division One is a tough division.

“We need to make sure we stay on an even keel.”

Yorkshire might have won again yesterday had they been able to make Somerset follow-on.

After declaring on 450-5 in their first innings, Yorkshire dismissed the hosts for 310 at lunch on day four, when Somerset required 301 to avoid being asked to bat again.

“It would have been ideal to have knocked Somerset over for less than 300 and had another crack at them, but they played well,” said Gillespie, whose side batted out time to reach 104-4 in their second innings.