AARON Finch demonstrated his versatility with a maiden century for Yorkshire as they pressed ahead against Warwickshire at Edgbaston yesterday.

The powerful Australian hit 110 off 146 balls, only his third first-class century, as the White Rose reached close on day two of their tenth LV= County Championship match this summer on 422 all out in reply to 228, a lead of 194.

Finch is ranked as the world’s number one Twenty20 batsman, but he has struggled to transfer that form to first-class cricket during a 43-match career for Victoria, Australia A and now Yorkshire.

This was his first four-day century since July 2011 when Australia A toured Zimbabwe.

The 27-year-old shared a fifth wicket stand of 92 in 22 overs with Jonny Bairstow either side of lunch and 123 in 30 for the sixth either side of tea with Rich Pyrah.

While Finch will take all the headlines, Bairstow’s 68 and Pyrah’s 62 were crucial in helping the White Rose advance from 150-4 before lunch.

Although it was a reasonably healthy score, a couple of quick wickets could have seen the day pan out differently. Steve Patterson also added a useful 32 from number eight after tea.

"It was nice to contribute to a couple of big partnerships," said Finch, who kissed the White Rose on his helmet upon reaching his hundred. "It was pretty pleasing to get my first hundred for Yorkshire.

"It's a great place to be a part of, and I'm very grateful that they've given me the opportunity to play some cricket. I'm happy that I've got some runs. Hopefully we can bowl really well and win a match.”

If Yorkshire complete the win during the next couple of days, it would be a second in four matches for Finch, who plays his last Championship match against Durham on July 7 with Kane Williamson due back.

He is then due to travel back to Australia for a national training camp at the end of the month, although he last night hinted that Cricket Australia could be persuaded to let him stay longer.