Jason Gillespie: Yorkshire coach praises new county champions

Yorkshire last won the County Championship in 2001

Yorkshire coach Jason Gillespie has hailed his side as worthy winners of the County Championship title.

The White Rose county won the title with a game to spare after beating Nottinghamshire by an innings and 152 runs at Trent Bridge.

"We believe that we have played some really strong cricket this year and the lads deserve it. We were ruthless.

"To win five games by an innings is an amazing effort," the former Australia fast bowler told BBC Radio Leeds.

"It's one of the best moments in my career. I had some great times in my playing career and really enjoyed it and now this is the peak of my coaching career. It's a fantastic feeling."

Gillespie took over at Headingley in November 2011 after the county had suffered relegation to Division Two.

The 39-year-old, who took 259 wickets in 71 Tests for his native country, singled out the performance of paceman Ryan Sidebottom, only three years his junior, who finished the match with figures of 9-65.

"He's been brilliant with the way he looks after himself and prepares himself," he said. "He thoroughly deserves his success."

Meanwhile, Yorkshire and England batsman Gary Ballance backed opening batsman Adam Lyth to join him in the national set-up.

Lyth made 122 of Yorkshire's 532-9 declared in their sole innings in the match, and has now scored 1,428 runs for the season at an average of 70.40.

"I wouldn't be surprised if he comes in because he has really improved as a cricketer," Ballance said.

"The performances he has put in this year have been unbelievable."