Yorkshire captain Andrew Gale has disclosed he encouraged Alex Lees to play his natural game as the opener neared his maiden Championship century for the White Rose last week.

Gale was at the wicket when the 20-year-old neared his landmark towards the end of the first day at Lord’s but the skipper adopted a light touch when it came to offering advice.

“I think Alex was a little bit nervous when he got to the nineties but I didn’t tell him not to go for it when he got to 96,” said Gale.

“I sensed that he wanted to get a hundred before the end of the day and I didn’t want him to have any regrets.

“I just told him to play the way he’s always played. I know the sweep’s a big shot of his, he’s nailed it and I know that if it was in his slot he’d play it.

“In the event he executed it perfectly and got over the line.”

Lees’ boundary off Ollie Rayner enabled him to reach three figures on his first visit to the home of cricket, completing a century which impressed his skipper.

“Overall there was a great coolness and calmness about Alex’s innings” said Gale.

“He didn’t go through the gears too quickly, he’s got sound technique.

“It was only his third Championship match and for him to get a hundred at Lord’s was fantastic for the lad. I know it meant a lot to his family and he’s worked as hard as anyone during the winter.

“He’s taken his opportunity and grabbed it with both hands.”

And Yorkshire coach Jason Gillespie has confirmed Lees will now have an extended run at the top of the order with Yorkshire.

“Alex was afforded an opportunity early in the season but unfortunately he missed out,” said Gillespie. “But it’s a testament to the lad’s approach that he went back and scored heavily in the second team and for the Yorkshire Academy.

“He had a pretty determined look in his eyes that first morning and it was pleasing to see a lad that works so hard at his game also had that determination to go out there and perform well.

“It’s a real credit to our coaches that there are lads coming through and I’ve always said: ‘Why have an Academy or second team cricket if those players don’t see a pathway to first team cricket’?

“I tell all our players to be their best selector and demand to be picked in the side.”