Yorkshire captain Andrew Gale called on his side to show more of the county’s famous grit and determination in the build-up to this match.

His young side did not disappoint and showed him exactly what they are made of on the opening day against Nottinghamshire at Trent Bridge.

Gone were the batting collapses of the past few weeks. In their place was a team effort from the much maligned top order to reach the close on 291 for three.

Joe Root led them, making a career-best 89 not out, but half-centuries from Joe Sayers, Adam Lyth and Jonathan Bairstow and 32 from Gale were also important for the Tykes, as they bedded in and batted themselves into a dominant position against the defending champions.

“It was a good solid day,” said Gale. “Our batting was disciplined. So far this season we have not shown enough patience but we were much more patient when the runs did not come so easily.”

Given the form Yorkshire have shown with the bat so far in 2011 there is little doubt that this performance is hugely encouraging.

Two collapses in one-day cricket have already seen them lose their first games in the Clydesdale Bank 40, while in the four-day format they have not managed to post 400 yet in a first innings.

Almost from the first ball, the Tykes looked in the mood to put those disappointments behind them.

Lyth, who made 57, and Sayers, who was out for 50, attacked from the off – reaching lunch unbeaten before they both fell within two balls of each other to leave Yorkshire on 114 for two.

The theme of the day had been set though, and unlike in previous games this year, when two quick wickets would have been the catalyst for a collapse, Gale and Root then picked up the challenge to build on the positive start.

Another 70 runs were added to the total before Gale was out for 32 (caught sweeping off Samit Patel) but once again Yorkshire regrouped as Jonathan Bairstow came to the crease.

By the close he and Root had shared a partnership of 107, with Bairstow ending unbeaten on 50.

If the young duo can continue their impressive partnership on day two then the Tykes look to be heading towards a commanding total.