YORKSHIRE players shone for England Lions on the opening day of their three-day match against a Gauteng Invitation XI at the University of Johannesburg in Soweto.

Adam Lyth put on 176 for the first wicket with England opener Sam Robson, who retired on 109, while Lyth later retired on 106 at 245, having hit 16 fours and a six.

No 3 Alex Lees then took up the fight with an unbeaten 82, including nine fours and two sixes, adding 86 unbroken for the fifth wicket with wicketkeeper Jonny Bairstow (32no) as the Lions made the hosts regret winning the toss and opting to field.

By the close of play, England Lions were 361-4, with all-rounders Adil Rashid and Liam Plunkett the next two batsmen due in, with pace bowler Jack Brooks being the sixth Yorkshire player in the 11.