Phil Jaques bid farewell to Championship cricket with Yorkshire by scoring a majestic 172 against Durham at Scarborough on Saturday to preserve the Tykes' unbeaten record and give their promotion push a massive boost.

His magnificent innings enabled Yorkshire to declare at 475-6 against the second division leaders and come out of the drawn match with a creditable 12 points, which strengthened their place in the top three.

Lancashire's win over Worcestershire yesterday and Somerset beating Essex was a setback to the promotion ambitions of both these losing sides.

One more victory for Yorkshire from their last three games should see them back in the top flight.

Jaques leaves for Australia 'A' team's tour of Pakistan in a week's time. With Darren Lehmann seeing out his contract with Yorkshire next season there is no room for Jaques as director of cricket David Byas admits that signing an all-rounder or a fast bowler is a top priority.

Gloucestershire chief executive Tom Richardson has said that they are interested in Jaques, though they haven't spoken directly to him yet.

Jaques said: "I am disappointed not to be returning to Yorkshire next year, but they have got Lehmann coming back and I can understand the club's point of view."

Updated: 11:04 Monday, August 29, 2005