LIAM Dawson declared Hampshire’s rare home win over Yorkshire as “a great advert for four-day cricket” as they pile pressure on the top of the County Championship Division One.

Dawson, who had scored 61 in the first innings, dragged his side from 103 for six when chasing 197 with a boundary-filled 67– with a crucial 67-run stand with Keith Barker.

Dawson hooked to long leg with seven required but James Fuller and Abbott took Hampshire over the line, with Fuller's uppercut completing the chase with 13.4 overs to spare.

The two-wicket victory was Hampshire’s first over Yorkshire at home in the County Championship since 2008, and only third at the Ageas Bowl. The result was worth 22 points to keep to the pressure on Surrey, who lead the league by three points.

"That was a great advert for four-day cricket on a really good wicket and we are really happy to get over the line,” Dawson exclaimed at the end of the gruelling affair.

"Any total over 150 in the fourth innings is always tricky but we thought the pitch was really good and luckily we bat deep.”

He continued: "I feel like I've been in decent form all year without big scores and I'm really happy with that innings. You always feel pressure every time you bat but luckily today I was able to get us the win.

“I was in a bit of a daze, just watching the ball and reacting to it and luckily it paid off. It is a brilliant comeback and shows the character in the group. It is probably one of the best wins I've been involved in with Hampshire in four-day cricket."

Hampshire captain, James Vince – who scored 55 across his two innings with the bat – added: “It was a bit nervy at the end.

“To come back from losing the toss and them getting 400 is outstanding. The changing room is buzzing. We were happy chasing anything around 200.”

Vince continued: “The run rate was never really an issue. It was a bit frantic at times but the way Daws held it together under immense pressure was outstanding.

"There is still a lot of cricket to be played but when you see Surrey are winning you feel the pressure to stay up with them. We haven't made any ground but we have stayed right up there."

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