Matthew Hoggard entered Roses folklore at Headingley on Saturday by playing a truly heroic innings in bad light to salvage a draw and keep Yorkshire in the third promotion place in the Championship's Second Division.

Although Hoggard has built up a reputation as being one of England's most successful fast bowlers, Yorkshire fans know that whatever else his career brings this innings will rank as one of his greatest achievements. Hoggard came in 15 minutes before tea on the final day with Yorkshire floundering on 182 for eight and all ready to be killed off, their victory target of 382 long since beyond reach. But he survived until the interval with Richard Dawson and then throughout the palpitating evening session as well, putting on an unbroken 46 with last man Deon Kruis as the pair withstood everything Lancashire could hurl at them to close on 273 for nine.

Hoggard finished unconquered on 64 after defying Lancashire for 146 minutes during which time he faced 138 balls and struck nine fours, his great innings spanning 41 overs and keeping Yorkshire's unbeaten record intact. Kruis came in with 13 from 55 deliveries and both he and Hoggard received rapturous applause as they made their way through the players' tunnel and into the dressing rooms.

Dawson also played a massive role in Yorkshire's recovery, scoring 28 off 109 balls, occupying the crease for 133 minutes and putting on 45 for the ninth wicket with Hoggard. Once Dawson had gone to a shooter from James Anderson, Yorkshire again seemed dead and buried but the last wicket pair gallantly saw out an agonising 21 overs together in which the blocking of every ball drew cheers from the Yorkshire supporters and groans of despair from Lancashire's.

Among the excitement, it was forgotten that Hoggard was feeling some pain in his ankle again.

"Although we had eight down when I went in there were no demons in the pitch and Richard Dawson was playing like a dream," he said. "I felt confident we could do it but I must admit I was a bit sceptical when Deon came in but he watched the ball very carefully and played a great innings."