BRADFORD-born Jonny Bairstow hopes to replicate his recent England heroics when he returns to Yorkshire action shortly.

Bairstow shone for England in their 2-1 Test series win over No 1 ranked South Africa post Christmas, including a brilliant maiden international century at Cape Town.

But having been overlooked for World Twenty20 selection, he is preparing to start the Specsavers County Championship season with Yorkshire next month.

Barring injury, Bairstow is almost certain to start the summer Test series against Sri Lanka on Thursday, May 19 as England's wicketkeeper – especially with Jos Buttler spending time at the Indian Premier League.

But the 26-year-old is keen to guard against complacency as he looks to hold on to the gloves long-term.

"You can never say that you've cemented your place," said Bairstow, having scored an impressive 359 runs from four matches against South Africa with his career-best 150.

"I just need to knuckle down, work hard and hopefully take the chances that I get and go from there.

"It was a great winter. Obviously it started off in Dubai for a couple of months and then South Africa. It started off pretty slowly but it picked up.

"The way the team played in different conditions was outstanding and I was delighted to get that milestone.

"It was a long time coming, if I'm honest. I think everyone could see the raw emotion and what it meant to not just me but my family and all my friends.

"It was a great day and hopefully there's plenty more of them to come.

"When I say a long time coming, I should have got it at Lord's a couple of years ago (95 v South Africa in August 2012).

"The way I crafted the innings was pleasing but I think there's still a lot more to offer with a lot of areas as well, so that's exciting.

"First and foremost, it's about replicating that going forward and scoring more hundreds for Yorkshire and England."

Bairstow was present at Yorkshire's annual meeting on Saturday, where he heard director of cricket Martyn Moxon reveal that England are receptive to their players playing more county cricket.

Yorkshire are hopeful they will see their full quota of England players at the start of the season, possibly including Joe Root.

"That's one of the areas that Trevor Bayliss (England coach) is a massive, advocate for," said Bairstow.

"To be able to come home and play for what is such a prestigious county in Yorkshire is fantastic.

"I think all the boys enjoy coming back to their counties, whether it be for one game, two games, three games or the full season."

Bairstow is set to play a big part in Yorkshire's programme of pre-season friendlies, starting later this week with a two-day intra-squad match on Thursday and Friday.

They then travel to Derbyshire for a two-day match and host a three-day clash with Leeds-Bradford MCC Universities before their Championship opener against Hampshire at Headingley on Sunday, April 17.