by Michael McCann

At Scarborough

JONNY BAIRSTOW hit an unbeaten 74 to help Yorkshire claim a seven-wicket triumph at Scarborough over Worcestershire in the County Championship as the perfect preparation for next week’s third Ashes Test.

The 25-year-old, who made the Test squad against Australia in place of teammate Gary Ballance on Wednesday, also struck 139 in the first innings, his fifth hundred this season.

That helped Yorkshire make 430, with Worcestershire forced to follow on after scoring 281 in reply, though a defiant 101 from Ross Whiteley in their second innings left the hosts chasing 157 runs to win.

Yorkshire were 44-3 but Bairstow shared an unbroken fourth-wicket partnership of 113 with opener Alex Lees, who hit 58 not out, allowing them to retain an unbeaten record in Division One this summer.

Resuming 71 runs ahead on 221-6, left-hander Whiteley reached his third first-class century off 137 balls with support from Joe Leach, who made 27.

However, Ryan Sidebottom dismissed Whiteley lbw with his first ball of the day, later bowling Charlie Morris in taking 2-37, while Jack Brooks bowled Shantry for eight to take 3-41.

Yorkshire started poorly in reply, as Saeed Ajmal dismissed Will Rhodes before lunch, while Morris removed Jack Leaning and captain Andrew Gale was run out just after the interval.

Bairstow ended Worcestershire’s charge, hitting 74 not out from just 51 balls, with nine fours and three sixes, taking Yorkshire to their seventh win in 10 Championship matches this season.

The hosts remain top of the table, with a game in hand and a 34-point lead over nearest rivals Warwickshire, while Worcestershire moved out of the bottom two by claiming five bonus points, but remain deep in relegation trouble.

Bairstow now has 980 Championship runs at 108.89, including an unbeaten double century, certainly earning his Ashes opportunity.