Ryan Sidebottom has committed himself to Yorkshire for the remainder of his career after extending his deal until 2015.

The pace bowler yesterday spearheaded a Tykes fightback as they claimed pole position for second place in Division One.

As news reached Headingley of Durham’s imminent title celebrations, Yorkshire recovered from being dismissed for 210 to bowl Middlesex, their nearest challengers for the £235,000 runners-up prize-money, out for 128, with Sidebottom marking his new contract by claiming 4-27.

The new deal will keep 35-year-old Sidebottom with Yorkshire until the end of his career and Martyn Moxon, Yorkshire’s Director of Cricket, is delighted he will remain at the club to pass on his experience to the younger players.

“Ryan has been an exceptional, consistent performer again this season and we hope he will play as long as it is physically possible for him to do so,” said Moxon.

“He brings so much to the dressing room. He still remains one of our most consistent performers and his experience is second to none. We want him to mentor our young bowlers and pass on his wisdom.”

Sidebottom’s influence was important on a day when Yorkshire learned their title dream was almost over but knew they had to avoid defeat against Middlesex if they were to pip them to the runners-up spot and claim their highest finishing position since winning the title in 2001.

The second morning began badly with Yorkshire losing five wickets for 88 runs in the morning session and only Kane Williamson, their New Zealand overseas player, mastering the swing-friendly conditions after spending four hours at the crease to score his 52.

Middlesex fared little better than Yorkshire in their reply, with Steve Patterson claiming their first three wickets in an outstanding new ball spell before Sidebottom took over to accelerate their collapse after they lost seven wickets for 42 runs in only 13.5 overs.

Their collapse marked a particular landmark for Jonny Bairstow, who claimed six catches in the innings as wicketkeeper, only one short of the Yorkshire record held by his late father David, who claimed seven against Derbyshire at Scarborough in 1982, and earned Yorkshire an 82-run first innings lead, extended by four by the close.