Bairstow epitomises the pride in Yorkshire

There is something similar about Bairstow junior, whose up-and-at-’em attitude and infectious approach has epitomised Yorkshire’s 32nd County Championship triumph.

For those who believe in such things, a very proud man was looking down on Trent Bridge cricket ground on Friday when the Championship was won – and with good reason.

Bairstow junior has been a credit to Yorkshire and to himself this season – particularly given, shall we say, some questionable treatment by England in recent times, treatment that might have unsettled a lesser character.

But a man who last represented England in the final Test of the Ashes tour has simply knuckled down and got on with the job – the job of scoring runs, taking catches and performing stumpings.

Averaging just under 50 with the bat in the Championship and with 38 dismissals to his credit, Bairstow has been a model of consistency.

In the immediate aftermath of the victory at Trent Bridge, you could see in his face what winning the Championship meant to him.

There was a light in his eyes and a raw emotion in his voice as the club’s first title since 2001 slowly sank in.

“Yeah, it’s emotional,” said Bairstow. “It’s fantastic; it’s great that my mum (Janet) is here and everything like that.

“I don’t know, it’s difficult to explain.

“There’s some special feelings knocking around, there’s some special players in this group, special coaching staff and special people all around the club.

“It’s just a privilege to be part of it.”

If Bairstow ever goes into coaching, he would not need to perform a team talk.

His facial expressions would be enough to motivate those under his charge; they scream of determination and desire to do well.

“I’ve absolutely loved it this year,” he said. “It’s been fantastic to have had a full year of cricket behind me after breaking my finger pre-season, and to have played pretty much every game for Yorkshire is brilliant.

“I’m delighted for this group of players, and I’m also gutted for Andrew Gale (the suspended captain) not being on the pitch with us for those final moments, because he’s been such a crucial part in what’s been a fantastic season.

“To drop himself at the start of the season at Middlesex shows the integrity of the bloke and how much the county means to him, and the team performance (against Notts) was something we wanted to do for him.”

Bairstow, 24, exudes great pride – Yorkshire pride.

It is a key feature of the side – and a key part of their togetherness – that so many players are home-grown, while even those who are not have fitted in seamlessly.

“It’s just a special club, with all the history and everything, and the White Rose means everything to the players,” said Bairstow.

“You don’t just get given your White Rose – you have to earn it.

“To become a capped player there are certain criteria you have to meet, and when you are given the White Rose it’s a very special moment.

“It’s something I’ll treasure for the rest of my life.”

Nothing epitomises Yorkshire’s togetherness more than the way the players have welcomed Jack Brooks.

The pace bowler was born in Oxford but he could not be more part of the set-up had he been born in the centre of Headingley.

“Brooksy has fitted in like a Yorkie – he’s even got an accent and everything,” laughed Bairstow. “To embrace the club like he has, to embrace the atmosphere in the dressing room, is brilliant.

“Dizzy (Jason Gillespie, the Australian coach) played at Yorkshire before, and others have come back to the club like Ian Fisher (lead strength and conditioning coach) and Richard Dawson (second team coach).

“To have those guys around is amazing and means a hell of a lot. I’m a very proud Yorkshireman at this moment.”

And Yorkshire is proud of Bairstow and his colleagues.

This was the trophy they worked for – the big one.

“We didn’t necessarily do ourselves justice in the other two competitions (the 50-over and T20) – we should have got further in those,” said Bairstow. “But this is the one everyone plays for, the one everyone wants, and this special group of players has won it for Yorkshire.”