YORKSHIRE wicketkeeper Andrew Hodd was glad to take the opportunity of batting slightly up the order as he led a superb fightback for Yorkshire against Nottinghamshire at Scarborough.

The former Sussex gloveman made an unbeaten 96 as the Tykes recovered from 51-6 to post a first innings total of 282 against relegation-threatened Notts.

Azeem Rafiq and Jack Brooks also contributed crucial lower-order runs before the visitors were reduced to 38-2 having faced 12 overs late in the day.

But Hodd, who has been forced to bat as low as nine in the order this season, was thrilled to have taken the responsibility upon himself in a slightly more familiar role.

“It’s the first time I’ve batted seven all year, so it’s nice to get that chance and to make a few runs, “ he said. “Now my confidence is getting a bit better.

“The ball just got a bit softer. The pitch has stayed the same and it’s still got a bit in it.

“Raf and Brooksy did really well in coming out and attacking, and Notts allowed that to happen. The partnerships were good and hopefully we can pick it up with the ball.”

Hodd shared in stands of 132 with Rafiq and 77 with Brooks as he posted his highest score for Yorkshire, with his innings providing the stability required after an hour-long spell during which they lost six wickets for just 30 runs.

The collapse began after Adam Lyth was run out while backing up by Steven Mullaney, and the same bowler then got rid of Alex Lees and Jake Lehmann -both caught in the slips – and trap Tim Bresnan lbw.

Gary Ballance – who is captaining the side in the absence of the injured Andrew Gale – and Jack Leaning also fell cheaply, but Hodd and Rafiq looked to take the impetus back with some attacking strokeplay

Rafiq hit 11 fours on his way to 92-ball 74, but after he was adjudged leg before off Samit Patel’s first over before Brooks hit seven fours and a six in his 48 before chopping on as Hodd was left agonisingly short of a first White Rose hundred.

Jack Brooks then trapped Jake Libby lbw with his first ball of the Nottinghamshire reply before Bresnan had Tom Moores caught by Lyth at second slip in the final over of the day to ensure the defending champions ended the day in a strong position.