Che Pujara’s first century for Yorkshire and three late wickets for Jack Brooks helped put the Tykes on the cusp of a second County Championship win of the season against Hampshire.

Pujara, who had previously made just one half-century for the club since arriving on a short-term contract in April, hit 17 fours and a six on his way to an unbeaten 133.

His innings allowed Andrew Gale to declare on 305-4, leaving Hampshire an imposing target of 449 to win.

But their hopes of securing victory were hit as Brooks left them reeling on 37-4, still 412 short of their victory target.

Hampshire began the day on 223-8, but were able to add just four to their overnight score as Brooks and Adil Rashid took a wicket apiece to secure a first innings lead of 143.

Despite Lyth, Alex Lees and Gale’s wickets leaving the hosts 80-3, Pujara and Jonny Bairstow (59) played aggressively to add 130 for the fourth wicket before the wicketkeeper was dismissed trying to sweep Liam Dawson.

Jack Leaning (43no) helped Pujara through to his century before going on the attack himself as they shared in an unbroken stand of 95 before Brooks got to work on bringing the winning line closer into sight.

He dismissed Sean Terry and Michael Carberry in consecutive balls before James Vince edged to Lyth at second slip.

Liam Dawson was then adjudged LBW to Rashid to leave Will Smith and James Tomlinson the task of reaching the close.

Meanwhile off the field, new ECB Director, England Cricket Andrew Strauss confirmed Jason Gillespie is a candidate to replace Peter Moores as head coach of England.

The former England captain revealed Gillespie would be spoken to in the coming days ahead of hopefully making an appointment ahead of the summer’s Ashes.

And though he would be sad to see Gillespie leave, Gale believes he would be a perfect choice for the national team.

“It’s no surprise,” he said. “We’ve had no formal approach as a club from the ECB but if that does come along Martyn (Moxon) will deal with that. Jason will have to sit down with his family to decide what happens but as far as we are concerned he is head coach of Yorkshire.

“He’s had a massive impact on the club in the last three years. You only have to see how far we’ve come as a club.”

Strauss also confirmed Yorkshire batsman Joe Root as the new Test vice-captain for the upcoming series against New Zealand and Australia.