OTTIS GIBSON has reflected on a "really positive" first month in charge at Yorkshire, which culminated in his side having much the better of their friendly against Durham at the Riverside.

Rain and snow forced the abandonment of the third day in the North East on Wednesday.

In the first innings, Yorkshire posted 221-6 declared, including Adam Lyth and Dawid Malan retired out for 83 and 56 respectively. George Hill also made 46 at the top of the order.

In reply, Durham finished on 177-10 declared, losing 10 wickets for 123 before batting on longer for further practice.

Dom Leech took the new ball and impressed for 3-12, while the rest of the wickets were shared around. In Yorkshire’s second innings, they advanced to 77-2.

Gibson took charge at the start of the month, overseeing a 10-day tour of Dubai, an intra-squad friendly at Bradford Park Avenue and then the Durham game.

There are some injury and availability issues surrounding the squad at present.

Gary Ballance is on a break after admitting using racist language towards former team-mate Azeem Rafiq while Ben Coad is easing his way back from a groin strain.

Tom Kohler-Cadmore is currently dealing with concussion symptoms dating back to his Pakistan Super League spell in February, where he was hit, and Matthew Waite is due a scan on a heel issue.

As a result, an overseas batter is being targeted to join already recruited Pakistan seamer Haris Rauf, who is due to arrive next week to be available for the opening six LV= Insurance County Championship matches and the start of the Vitality Blast.

“We worked very hard in Dubai, and the weather has been kind to us over the last couple of weeks back at home, allowing us to get some more good work into the boys,” said Gibson.

“It has been a really good couple of days up here for us.

“The bowlers went out with very simple messages about staying disciplined, and they were excellent.

“Our batters as well. We were very happy with their performance.

“That started in Dubai. We worked very hard with the top five or six batters in getting a lot of volume into them. Lythy got some valuable time in the middle out there, as did Hilly and Brooky.

“What we’re trying to do is to work back from the main event, which is at Gloucester on April 14.

“We want to make sure everyone has the volume of overs in their legs and time at the crease they need to go and perform in that game.

“If you get a hundred now, fantastic. But the time spent in the middle is more important than that.”