Adam Lyth Books Ashes Opening Berth with Headingley Heroics Against New Zealand

World-class fish and chips, Dracula and Captain Cook (the explorer, not Alastair) are Whitby's most notable claims to fame. More innings like the one he produced against New Zealand on Saturday and Adam Lyth could one day join that exalted company.

The left-hander became only the second Yorkshireman to score a maiden Test hundred on home turf, compiling a fine 107 against the Kiwis. His place alongside Alastair Cook at the top of the England order for the forthcoming Ashes series against Australia seems assured.

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.@lythy09 celebrates his maiden Test century off 188 balls with 14 fours. http://t.co/77GDO81MIc #EngvNZ pic.twitter.com/tmTwI09kSh

— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) May 30, 2015"

Even mentioning the "A" word seems disrespectful to a New Zealand side who have been equal partners in what has been a terrific series. Brendon McCullum's men once again played their part in another fantastically absorbing day's cricket in Leeds.

The New Zealanders had all the momentum after a crazy start to the day's play. Carrying on from Friday's all-out attack, the Kiwis' final two wickets smashed Stuart Broad and Ben Stokes to all parts.

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This morning in 7.1 overs @BLACKCAPS have added 53 runs losing 2 wickets. Craig 41 not out. Broad -17.1 overs 5 for 109 #bbccricket #ENGvNZ

— Test Match Special (@bbctms) May 30, 2015"

Lyth and Cook weathered an early new ball onslaught from Tim Southee and Trent Boult, before easing into their task as conditions improved in the afternoon session.

Neat off his legs and driving crisply, Lyth was a perfect foil for Cook, who became England's greatest Test run scorer during their record-breaking opening partnership.

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Cook and Lyth have now reached England's highest opening partnership at Headingley. #bbccricket pic.twitter.com/sjzHRhFf2N

— Test Match Special (@bbctms) May 30, 2015"

The 27-year-old enjoyed the odd slice of luck, hitting the ball onto his stumps but failing to dislodge the bails. The occasional half-chance fell just short and wide of fielders. That's to take nothing away from Lyth, who punished the occasional bad balls that came his way.

Perhaps the only criticism of Cook and Lyth was their response to spinner Mark Craig. It's hard to imagine an Australian batting lineup letting the New Zealand off-spinner get into quite such a metronomic and economical groove.

In the end, it took a reckless call from Gary Ballance and a nice throw from Trent Boult to prise Lyth away from the middle. An innings of 107 marked a fine return for the latest England player to come off the Yorkshire conveyor belt.

"When Yorkshire are strong, England are strong," goes the theory. If so, England fans could be in for a treat in Lyth.

As Yorkshire captain Andrew Gale told talkSPORT, Lyth's “always had the ability, but the biggest thing he’s improved is his concentration. We’ve known since he was a kid that he was the most talented batsman at the club, including Joe Root and Gary Ballance.” High praise indeed.

Of course, an early Test hundred is no guarantee of a lengthy career in the five-day game. Sam Robson also reached three figures in his second appearance before sinking without trace soon after.

Similarly Nick Compton, whose international career stalled after a promising start. The England management will be hoping that the Yorkshireman is made of sterner stuff.

As preparation for a series against Mitchell Johnson and Ryan Harris goes, Boult and Southee are about the best you could hope for. They may not quite have the pace of their cousins from across the Tasman Sea, but they still provide a heady examination of technique and temperament.

As former England captain Michael Vaughan wrote in the Daily Telegraph, “It is also hard to make your debut against this New Zealand attack...If he (Lyth) scores runs against this attack, we can relax and enjoy the fact England have found an opener for the next two or three years.”

After experimenting with Compton, Robson and most recently Jonathan Trott, Alastair Cook and company will be hoping that Vaughan is right.