LV= County Champions Yorkshire have awarded all-rounder Richard Pyrah a benefit year in 2015.
The 31-year-old, a product of the White Rose’s highly-rated academy, has progressed into one of the Tykes’ most reliable cricketers since making his debut in 2001.
Pyrah is an integral member of Yorkshire Vikings’ limited-overs side.
He has struck 1,077 runs and taken 140 wickets at an average of 25 in 114 List A matches while also hitting 558 runs and snaring 101 scalps at 20 in 95 Twenty20 contests.
The Dewsbury-born player said: “I think, having come through the Yorkshire system and playing for over 13 years like I have, it’s a very, very proud moment.
“To play for Yorkshire was a proud moment, but to be here and be recognised for the work I’ve done, it makes me and my family very proud. It’s a massive thing.
“I’ve probably put into the club in different ways to some of the other names that have had benefits, but I have given to the club behind the scenes when not playing.
“I’m not going to take it for granted. It’s a massive thing, and hopefully it will help me and my family, especially when I finish.”
Despite operating as predominantly a limited-overs player, Pyrah has also proved his worth in the four-day game.
He produced his finest moment for Yorkshire in the Roses defeat to Lancashire at Headingley in 2011.
Arriving at the crease with his side languishing on 45 for eight, Pyrah blazed 12 fours and a trio of sixes in a scintillating 117 off 126 balls, his maiden championship ton.
At Trent Bridge last week, Pyrah, on as a substitute for Gary Ballance, held the catch that secured the Tykes their first championship title since 2001.
He added: “I’m very, very lucky that we’ve won the County Championship for my benefit year,” added Pyrah.
The best feeling in the world. Winning the county championship for my home county. Yorkshire County Cricket Club! pic.twitter.com/QmL4Lvia42
— Richard Pyrah (@pyrah27) September 12, 2014
“It’s unbelievable. And to take the winning catch, to take that into it, you couldn’t have written it.
“It will be a busy year. I’ll have to get my hands dirty and get a good committee together, I think that’s key. We’ve already spoken about ways of incorporating it (catch – things like logos I guess), but it hasn’t really sunk in yet.”
Yorkshire chief executive Mark Arthur added: “We are delighted to award Richard a benefit year for next season as he is a player that has had a tremendous career at Yorkshire.
“He has always shown his admiration for Yorkshire and is a role model for supporters of the club at all ages.
“He is a terrific clubman and has gained ultimate respect from his fellow players and supporters of the club.
“I’m sure I can say on behalf of the club, members and supporters that we wish Richard the best of luck for his benefit year in 2015.”
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