Jonny Bairstow describes the feeling of winning the LV= County Championship
By Callum Dent
Winning the LV= County Championship was a “special, special moment” for Yorkshireman Jonny Bairstow.
The club is close to the Bradford-born wicketkeeper-batsman’s heart after his late father David had a long association with the White Rose.
So to be an integral part of a championship-winning side at the age of just 24 is understandably something Bairstow is keen to cherish.
Bairstow, who is also an Ashes winner with England, told ecb.co.uk: “It’s up there. It is fantastic, growing up as a young boy and dad having played 20 years at the club, to come through and win a championship for Yorkshire is a special, special moment.
“It is something I am very proud of and I am very proud of the guys that have been involved this season and throughout the club from the office staff to the chairman.
“This is the big one. This is the one that everyone throughout the country wants to win.
“To do it for the first time after a long lay-off is very, very special and something I will treasure. Hopefully we can do it again.”
100th first class game, CHAMPIONS 2014, special day with a special club!! YORKSHIRE AND PROUD!! pic.twitter.com/b1GN9Ulwku
— Jonathan Bairstow (@jbairstow21) September 12, 2014
Veteran Ryan Sidebottom again displayed his class by hurrying Yorkshire to their first championship title since 2001.
The seamer took four of the five wickets required for victory on the final day against Nottinghamshire at Trent Bridge to claim 6-30 and complete stunning match figures of 9-65.
Forming a formidable new-ball partnership with Jack Brooks, who has snared 64 scalps this term, the 36-year-old is still one of the best bowlers in the country.
And Bairstow, playing in his 100th first-class match for the Tykes at Trent Bridge, said: “Ryan came out this morning and bowled like he has done all season.
“To take nine in the game, in such a crucial game, just shows the stature of the bloke.
“Hopefully he can keep going for a good few years yet. I think we have managed him very well.”