Photo: Instagram/ @djmalan29

English batsman Dawid Malan made a spectacular return to the domestic circuit, as he slammed a ton in his very first game of the 2021 County Championships. Malan scored big on his season debut for Yorkshire in the County Championship, getting 199 runs against Sussex to put his team in a commanding position at the Headingley Stadium in Leeds.

Opponents Sussex batted first in the game, scoring 313 in their first innings thanks to a century from their skipper Ben Brown. Yorkshire however came out all guns blazing in their reply, ending Day 2 with a commanding score of 272/2, with Dawid Malan and Gary Ballance being the chief contributors for the chasing team.

The Yorkshire openers added 83 runs for the first wicket, giving Malan the perfect platform to build on that solid start. The 33-year-old southpaw looked in complete control despite that being his first game since the 2021 VIVO Indian Premier League, as he started scoring at a healthy strike rate. Malan scored 11 fours and one six as he crossed the triple figure mark in the final few overs on Day 2 of the County Championship game against Sussex.

Malan, who represents Punjab Kings in the VIVO Indian Premier League, stitched together a partnership of 183 runs alongside seasoned batsman Gary Ballance, giving his Yorkshire team a clear edge over Sussex after the first innings. Even after Ballance’s dismissal, the left-handed batsman stayed firm and he continued to torment the opposition bowlers. Malan added a further 11 fours and a six on Day three of the game, as Yorkshire stretched their lead further.

Dawid Malan was unfortunate to not get his double century ultimately, as he was dismissed one run shy of that mark by Sussex bowler Jack Carson. Nevertheless, his knock helped put Yorkshire firmly in control of the game, on course for a win. A win in this game would also cement Yorkshire’s position towards the top of the points table, as it will help them leapfrog Glamorgan and move into second place in Group 3 of the 2021 County Championships.