Jonny Bairstow was awarded his 1st XI County Cap ahead of Day 1 of the Yorkshire v Worcestershire LV= County Championship match at Scarborough. It is rich reward for the 21-year-old who has been a more than consistent performer for the White Rose county since he debuted in June 2009.

(PHOTO: Jonny Bairstow receives his County Cap from Andrew Gale. Copyright JMB)

A prolific batsman as a schoolboy cricketer, Bairstow has grown as a player with the challenges of first-class cricket and is also improving fast as a wicket-keeper.

2,508 first-class runs with a highest score of 205 at Trent Bridge earlier this season at an average of 46.44 is testament to his temperament and quality. If he continues to grow as a player who knows what those stats will look like when he finally hangs up his bat.

Already an England Lion after touring the Caribbean this winter there is no doubt Bairstow has the potential to play the game at the highest level. Two first-class centuries this summer and consistent runs, impressive (sometimes brutal) timing and a big match temperament has meant Bairstow is key to a Yorkshire side for which he has stood up and won matches. He leads a pack of quality youngsters at the Club who could bring a golden era to Yorkshire cricket if they reach their undoubted potential.

Martyn Moxon said: “Jonny has followed on from a promising season last season and has consolidated that now with a double hundred and a hundred and has fully deserved this award. He’s been a consistent performer and has scored over two-and-a-half thousand runs now in Championship cricket which is a great effort. I’m sure he’ll go on to bigger and better things. If he continues to develop as he is there is no doubting his talent and hopefully he’ll go on and fulfil that talent.

Congratulations to Jonny and his family.

JAMES BUTTLER