text: The first double hundred of Alex Hales' career helped Nottinghamshire into a position of strength on the opening day of their LV= County Championship match against Yorkshire at Trent Bridge. The England international was unbeaten on 222 not out as the home side reached 393 for seven by stumps, having been invited to bat first. Hales scored his runs from 250 balls, with 37 fours and a six and having shared in a third wicket stand of 171 with James Taylor, who scored 59. Steven Patterson, with two for 58 and Jack Brooks, two for 90, returned the leading figures for the Yorkshire bowlers on a tough day for the defending Champions. Alex Hales, pictured in action for Nottinghamshire earlier this month, completed a double century on Sunday . Hales' passed three figures for the 10th time in his career, spoiling the return of Andrew Gale, back skippering Yorkshire again after serving a four match suspension. Gale rotated all seven bowlers at his disposal but all found it difficult to put the brake on Hales' scoring. In general, too much width was offered to the 26-year-old and he capitalised fully to reach his century from 131 balls and his 150 from 173. Taylor was a perfect foil for his World Cup team-mate, content to play the supportive role in reaching his own 50 from 89 balls, with nine fours.Yorkshire's spirits were lifted just before the tea interval when Brooks struck twice in an over, snaring Taylor with an lbw decision and then providing enough temptation for Samit Patel to nudge one into the hands of Alex Lees at first slip. Riki Wessels made 18 before falling just before the taking of the second new ball, guiding Nottingham-born Will Rhodes to second slip. Hales, in action during an England nets session in Australia in March, hasn't given up on playing Test cricket . Hales went past his previous best of 184, made against Somerset in 2011, and then had his only two scares of the day, against the bowling of Patterson. An uppish chip to mid-on was totally missed by Rhodes, who claimed he lost the flight of the ball. On 197 a huge shout for lbw was turned down by umpire Russell Evans, to the dismay of the entire fielding unit. A four off Bresnan eased home nerves, though, and a standing ovation was duly afforded Hales for reaching the 200 landmark from 234 deliveries. He will return on the second morning, after the final over of the day was cut short following the dismissal of Will Gidman, also caught in the slip cordon, off Patterson. Nottinghamshire's openers both made 27 before the visiting attack struck twice during the morning session. Steven Mullaney was given out lbw to Patterson, beaten by one that came back and missed the inside edge. Brendan Taylor, who had scored centuries in both of his first class appearances this season, became a notable first scalp for Matthew Fisher, who at 17 years 161 days is Yorkshire's sixth youngest debutant, but it mattered little once Hales got to work. Hales hopes his brilliant knock against Yorkshire sends a message to the England selectors . Hales said: '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.' Asked if his knock had sent any sort of message to the England selectors, he added: 'I hope to show that I can make scores in all three formats. '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 Gale said: '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. 'It was just nice to get back out over the white line and get 96 overs in the legs. I hope we can get it right in the morning and bowl them out quickly.'
target: Alex Hales was unbeaten on 222 not out for Nottinghamshire who reached 393 for seven by stumps in their clash against Yorkshire .
  It is the first double hundred of Hales' career  passing previous best of 184 .
  And Hales said it is still his 'dream' to play Test cricket for England .