England batsman Jonny Bairstow smashed a majestic century for Yorkshire as they battled back in the game with Kent at Headingley.

Bairstow’s 107 was the stand out innings as Yorkshire posted 316 for 6 by the close of day three, still 72 runs short of avoiding the follow on.

He reached his century in just 129 balls with 13 fours and two sixes before he was caught behind by Geraint Jones off Darren Stevens.

Earlier in the day, Kent had Yorkshire in real trouble at 111 for 4 with Mark Davies accounting for the wickets of Joe Sayers, Anthony McGrath and Andrew Gale.

Matt Coles followed up his century on Saturday with his first wicket of the new season, but a century partnership between Bairstow and Gary Ballance put the game back in the balance.

When Ballance departed lbw to Adam Riley for 45, Kent sniffed an opening, but Bairstow went on to complete his ton, ably assisted by Adil Rashid who ended the day on 40 not out.

Rashid and Ajmal Shahzad (17 not out) will look to take Yorkshire past the follow on target on Sunday morning, whilst Kent will look to take the three remaining wickets (not four as Richard Pyrah has a broken hand) needed to get the Tykes back batting again.

Yorkshire side: Sayers, Root, McGrath, Gale, Bairstow, Ballance, Rashid, Pyrah, Shahzad, Sidebottom, Wardlaw.

Kent side: Key, Newman, Harmison, Nash, Powell, Stevens, Jones, Coles, Shreck, Davies, Riley.

Umpires: MA Eggleston and NA Mallender.

Close of play day three: Kent 537 for 9 declared, Yorkshire 316 for 6.