Bairstow Shines with Unbeaten Ton as Yorkshire Dominates Opening Day Against Middlesex
Headingley, August 29, 2024 – Yorkshire’s Jonny Bairstow scored a commanding unbeaten century as the home side gained the upper hand on the first day of their crucial County Championship clash against Middlesex.
Bairstow, 34, who has recently struggled with his form and was dropped from the England squads, responded emphatically with a majestic 107 not out off just 130 deliveries. The innings included two sixes and 11 boundaries, as Bairstow led Yorkshire’s charge to 372 for 5 from 96 overs.
Bairstow found able support from Adam Lyth (61) and George Hill (58 off 77 balls)*, as the hosts dominated the proceedings at Headingley. Luke Hollman was the pick of the Middlesex bowlers, returning figures of 3 for 99 from his 27 overs of leg-spin.
“Challenged by England selector Luke Wright to rediscover his best form after being left out of the limited-overs squads, Bairstow demonstrated his class and resilience.”
This was his first first-class century in over two years, with his last coming in his twin tons against India at Edgbaston in 2022.
Yorkshire, who are currently third in Division Two, will be aiming to complete the double over second-placed Middlesex, having won the reverse fixture at Lord’s in April. Bairstow’s heroics on the opening day have put the home side in a strong position to potentially tighten their grip on the race for promotion.
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