Picture by Nathan Stirk/Getty Images. Jonny Bairstow is set to play his 250th career T20 match later today.
Anthony McGrath has hailed Jonny Bairstow’s desire to keep on producing, saying it’s “fantastic” that the star wicketkeeper-batter has committed to the long-term with Yorkshire.
Last month, following the expiry of his central contract with England, Bairstow signed a three-year deal to remain at Headingley until at least the end of 2028.
The 36-year-old is also set to make his 250th career T20 appearance later today, in the colours of MI Emirates out in the United Arab Emirates, where he is playing in the ILT20 competition.
“As you know, he’s very passionate about Yorkshire, and it’ll be great to have him as much as possible next year,” said the county’s men’s head coach, McGrath. “To get him to commit to another three years with us is fantastic.
“We know what a match-winner he can be on the field, but we also always mention the younger guys and he’s got that experience internationally and with his age, which can really help us.
“It’s great to have him signed up, and he’s wanting to make a big impact when he’s around. That’s obviously a big thing for us.”
The Bradfordian, who wasn’t picked up in yesterday’s IPL auction, currently sits on 249 career T20 appearances for all teams, including England and Yorkshire. He has 6,031 runs to his name with five centuries.
Three of those have come in a White Rose shirt. In fact, he is the only player to score three T20 centuries for Yorkshire. One of those came in a Roses Blast win over Lancashire at Emirates Old Trafford earlier this year.
McGrath said: “He’s done so much and achieved so much in the game.
“As I said, he’s had a brilliant career. For him to keep wanting to play, particularly for us, is brilliant news for the club.
“So, hopefully, he’s got many more games and match-winning performances in him.”
Bairstow took over as Yorkshire’s captain in the Rothesay County Championship at the start of 2025 and will continue in the role in 2026.
McGrath added: “I thought he did really well with it (this summer).
“He’d not captained before, certainly full-time anyway. But I think he enjoyed it overall. If you speak to him, I think he learned a lot as well.
“It’s always something he’s wanted to do. He’s at an age now where he’s not away all the time, and he’s here for a good chunk of time and can influence things.
“I know, chatting to him, he’s better for the experience, and I’m sure we’ll see him get a really good grasp on it again next year.”
Bairstow’s MI Emirates side have won two of their five games so far in the ILT20.
At the top of the order, Bairstow has posted scores of 11, 37, 8, 49 not out and 31 so far.
His Yorkshire team-mate Adil Rashid is also playing in the same tournament for Sharjah Warriors. The leg-spinner has taken six wickets in five games. They have also won twice.
MI Emirates face Dubai Capitals in Dubai at 2.30pm UK today.
The tournament is being televised live by Sky Sports.
Picture by Allan McKenzie/SWPix.com. Anthony McGrath has been speaking about Jonny Bairstow’s new contract with Yorkshire and his T20 career milestone.
