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 he has built up a reputation as being one of England's most successful fast bowlers, Yorkshire followers know that whatever else his career brings this innings will rank as a great achievement.

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 that Lancashire could hurl at them to close on 273 for nine.

Hoggard finished unconquered on 64 after defying Lancashire for 146 minutes. He faced 138 balls and struck nine fours, his 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 saw out 21 overs.

Among all the excitement, it was forgotten that Hoggard was feeling some pain in his ankle again. He has arranged to have a scan today.

Hoggard said: "Although we had eight down when I went in there were no demons in the pitch and Richard Dawson was playing like a dream.

"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."

Asked about the bad light, Hoggard said: "You couldn't see Jack out there it was so dark. I couldn't see the seamers and I couldn't see the spinners, either, so I am not quite sure how that works.

"It seemed a little bit dark towards the end but you have just got to accept what the umpires say and get on with it.

"My ankle improved a bit as the game went on but I have no cricket for a while now and can get this thing sorted before I have to bowl again."

Updated: 10:37 Monday, June 13, 2005