I'm not stiff, there are no problems - I'll be bowling again when needed Darren Gough

Darren Gough gladdened the hearts of Yorkshiremen and Englishmen alike with three quick wickets on his return to competitive cricket.

A knee injury had sidelined the star paceman from all forms of cricket since the NatWest Series final against India in July last year.

Gough's future then looked in serious doubt when he was sent home from the Ashes after not responding to months of rehabilitation.

But the 32-year-old was quickly back into his stride at Headingley, and helped his side bowl out Northamptonshire in the 49th over of the day.

Chris Silverwood also took three wickets for Yorkshire as only Jeff Cook (74) held firm.

In reply, the home team's opener Matt Wood compiled a patient 109 not out as Northamptonshire's bowlers could not make up for their batsnmen's shortfallings.

Yorkshire: M J Wood, C R Taylor, A McGrath (Capt), M J Lumb, G M Fellows, R J Blakey (Wkt), R K J Dawson, C E W Silverwood, D Gough, R J Sidebottom, M J Hoggard.

Northamptonshire: R A White, M J Powell, P A Jaques, J W Cook, D J G Sales (Capt), G L Brophy, T M B Bailey (Wkt), G P Swann, C G Greenidge, J A R Blain, A Nel.