Bairstow smacks century in T20 warm-up game

Yorkshire closed on 236-5 after Bairstow pulverised the opponents’ attack, hitting 14 sixes and nine fours reaching his century from just 44 balls.

In reply, the Bradford League team certainly put up a fight, reaching 190 from their allotted 20 overs at Pudsey Congs CC.

Bairstow was backed up by Alex Lees (46) and Rich Pyrah (21) after the early dismissals of Andrew Hodd and captain Andrew Gale.

It was always going to be a tall order for the Bradford League, but Suleman Khan (47) and James Smith (36) impressed, helping their team 190-8 against an attack that included the pace of Liam Plunkett (1-22), Jack Brooks (2-24), and the guile of Tim Bresnan (1-29).

Australian import Glenn Maxwell had hoped to play a part, but he only landed at 8am on Monday morning in Manchester from India.

“I had a very enjoyable flight – first-class to Dubai and business class to Manchester,” said the 26-year-old Australian.

“India may be different in terms of the weather but it is not such a big difference in terms of time zones.

“I had hoped to be playing. However, I am not allowed to travel and play on the same day.”

Yorkshire play another warm-up match tonight at Harrogate CC (5.30pm) against a Harrogate Select XI.

There is a further match at York CC on Wednesday (5.30pm) against the ECB Yorkshire Premier League XI before Jason Gillespie’s side continue their NatWest T20 Blast at Nottinghamshire Outlaws on Monday.