ADAM Lyth described his 15th first-class century as one of his most important after helping Yorkshire into pole position at the end of day two against the MCC in Abu Dhabi.

Lyth believes the presence of England Test captain Alastair Cook in opposition at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium means that yesterday’s hundred ranks alongside any of the other seven he has scored in the last year.

The left-handed opener scored 113 of Yorkshire’s 372 as they replied to the MCC’s day one 221 all out. MCC reached 13-0 from five second innings overs at close.

Lyth hit 12 fours in 190 balls and was supported by half-centuries for Andrew Hodd (57) and all-rounder Will Rhodes, whose 61 continued an excellent first-class debut.

Lyth started the day by sharing 91 for the third wicket with nightwatchman Steve Patterson (36) before Hodd and Rhodes added 104 for the sixth.

“It’s just a great way to start the season,” said Lyth, who went from 92 to 104 before lunch with three successive fours against Chris Rushworth.

“To get a hundred in the first first-class game of the season, with the pink ball under lights, which is difficult, and in front of the England captain is really pleasing.

“It would have been nice to have gone and got a big one, but I’d have taken 113 at the start.

“In my career, it’s probably up there with one of the most important hundreds I’ve scored with him watching. Alastair said well played to me, which was nice of him.

“Obviously, in a few days we fly out (to the West Indies), so hopefully I’ve impressed him and you never know what might happen over the next few weeks.”

Meanwhile, Pakistan batsman Younus Khan will fulfil his commitments as Yorkshire’s early season overseas player despite Pakistan being set to tour Bangladesh next month.