JOE Root wants to see Yorkshire make their early dominance count tomorrow with another strong batting performance as they strive for victory over Hampshire at the Ageas Bowl.

England Test captain Root hit 94 alongside Gary Ballance’s unbeaten 120 - the pair shared 182 for the third wicket - to underpin the White Rose’s day one score of 310-3.

Unfortunately, Root was out late in the day just shy of a second century in four days after his 130 not out at Notts on Monday.

Ballance, however, achieved that feat as Yorkshire look to claim a first Championship win of the season at the second attempt.

“We are delighted,” said Root. “It was quite hard graft. A slow wicket and a soft ball made it quite difficult. It was a very attritional sort of cricket.

“It was quite different to last week in many ways, but it was important that we made the most of today to make sure we can come back tomorrow in a very strong position.

“Looking at board now, you’d like to think with the batting we’ve got left, we’re more than capable of going on and getting past 400 to put them under real pressure when it comes to bowl.

“There were a lot of fielders in front of the bat, and it was just about grinding them down.

“More than anything, not letting your ego get in the way of scoring at a certain rate and making sure tomorrow is the day to put pressure on them.

“We’re in that position now where we can do that, and hopefully Gary can make this big hundred count.”

On his own display, Root said: “I’m stood here right now disappointed that I didn’t make that score into a 150 plus. But it has been great to come back (to Yorkshire) and contribute.

“There has been a couple of occasions over the last few years where I’ve not managed to. It’s really pleasing to get a few runs and put us in a position now where we can hopefully make a 400 plus score.

“When we come to bowling, the effect that will have on their batting will hopefully play into our hands.”

Ballance enhanced his already remarkable first-class record on this ground.

Including this, he has now scored three hundreds and a double ton in his last three matches against Hampshire: “It’s an amazing record he has,” smiled Root.

“Hopefully he can go on and make another double tomorrow!”