ADAM LYTH and Tom Kohler-Cadmore both reached fifties and batted through the opening afternoon unbroken against Essex at Emerald Headingley as Yorkshire claimed the early initiative.

The hosts, unbeaten in four Specsavers County Championship matches this season, advanced from 98 for two at lunch to reach tea at 207 for two from 65 overs. 

Lyth, 44 at lunch, advanced to 50 off 99 balls and moved to 85 not out at tea.

He later slog-swept Simon Harmer’s off-spin over deep mid-wicket for six as Yorkshire passed the 150-mark. 

Kohler-Cadmore (unbeaten on 68) then reached his fifty approximately 20 minutes later, off 81 balls with his eighth four, square driven off Sam Cook. 

Both men have played confidently against an Essex attack who have failed to build any pressure on a pitch which has already offered turn for South African Harmer, who has bowled 22 overs for 48.

They will resume their third-wicket partnership of 110 inside 35 overs after tea. Yorkshire’s first batting bonus point for passing 200 was secured in the penultimate over of the session.