JONNY Bairstow hailed Burley-in-Wharfedale's Harry Brook as both men contributed significantly to Yorkshire’s position of strength at the halfway stage of the Roses clash at Emirates Old Trafford.

The White Rose look set to win for the third time in eight Specsavers County Championship matches this season today

Lancashire, chasing 323, are 194-6, needing 129 more to win, with question marks over whether Liam Livingstone will bat with a fractured left thumb. Surely that will only happen if the hosts are desperate.

Yorkshire started the day with an 83-run lead ahead of their second innings and slipped to 21-3.

But Bairstow led the way with 82 off 67 balls and Brook hit 55 off 72, the pair sharing 133 for the fourth wicket in the final 20 overs of the morning.

Day two ended in fine style for Yorkshire, with Joe Root getting Jos Buttler caught at leg slip sweeping for 59 in the penultimate over – a wicket which all but kills Lancashire’s chances.

Bairstow said: "Harry played outstandingly well.

“The positions he got into and the way he built his innings and went about it was really impressive.

“After his hundred at Essex, to come back and play like he did in a Roses game against a very good attack was very impressive.

"We've got a decent opportunity in the game, but there's still a way to go.

"I got a bit of luck. There was a catch that went down, and sometimes it goes your way.

"The last session was nearly 50 overs, and the guys have put in a shift.

"Jos was playing lovely, so that wicket was important. Rooty will play a key part tomorrow because it's turning now.”