County Championship: Alex Hales century punishes Yorkshire

Alex Hales says playing in the World Cup for England taught him to bat without fear

Alex Hales made the highest score of his first-class career as Notts dominated the opening day against Yorkshire at Trent Bridge.

The England one-day batsman struck a six and 37 fours in a superlative 250-ball innings of 222 not out.

James Taylor (59) shared a third-wicket stand of 171 as the home side piled up 393-7 by close of play.

Yorkshire gave a debut to 17-year-old seam bowler Matthew Fisher and he took the wicket of Brendan Taylor for 27.

The defending champions were again without six players on tour with England in the West Indies, but welcomed back captain Andrew Gale from suspension.

He opted to field after winning the toss, but with Hales quickly into his stride after Steven Mullaney was lbw to Steve Patterson for 27, he had reason to reflect on his decision.

After Fisher had Zimbabwe opener Taylor taken at first slip, also for 27, Notts dominated the afternoon session, adding 176 runs for the loss of James Taylor and Samit Patel to Jack Brooks (2-90).

Hales brought up his hundred off 131 balls with two fours in the space of three deliveries from Fisher and continued in the same vein after tea, passing 200 for the first time in his career with a boundary through the covers off Tim Bresnan.

He rounded things off with three fours in an over from Will Rhodes before play came to an end when Patterson (2-58) had Will Gidman caught for eight.

Nottinghamshire batsman Alex Hales:

"It's a very proud day for me to make that score against the county champions and against a very good attack.

"I'm very pleased with how the day has gone, it has been one of those days where all the shots I've tried have come off.

"They bowled pretty well at me in the morning session, but I knew if I got through it, it would become easier and I'd be all right.

"This year I want to make as many big scores as I can in this format because it's still my dream to play Test cricket."

Yorkshire captain Andrew Gale:

"We weren't at our best today but fair play to Alex Hales.

"I thought he played really well - a chanceless innings really - but we only bowled to 60 or 70 per cent of our potential.

"It was a good toss to win, there was plenty in the wicket in the first session, but we didn't utilise it.

"I hope we can get it right in the morning and bowl them out quickly."