RYAN Sidebottom claimed his 1,000th wicket in all formats yesterday – but Yorkshire’s bowlers endured a tough third day against Hampshire at Headingley.

Sidebottom, 38, struck deep into the evening session to get Sean Ervine caught behind, though it was one of only three wickets all day to dampen the champions’ victory bid.

Ervine was one of two centurions for a Hampshire side on course to secure a notable Specsavers County Championship draw having closed on 450-8 from 147 overs – a deficit of 143.

Such a result looked highly unlikely ahead of play yesterday given they were languishing at 141-5 in reply to a first-innings 593-9 declared.

But Ervine top-scored with 123 after suffering a suspected cracked left index finger having been hit by Liam Plunkett on 20.

Captain James Vince also completed an eye-catching 119 as talk of an England Test call gets louder.

Hampshire’s players were the subject of some harsh words from coach Dale Benkenstein on Monday evening, with the former Durham batsman labelling their performance during the first two days as unacceptable.

But his criticism resonated as the South Coast county battled hard in excellent batting conditions.

"First of all, you have to give Hampshire a lot of credit for the way they applied themselves," said Yorkshire coach Jason Gillespie, celebrating his 41st birthday yesterday and the arrival of a first grandchild on Monday.

"We saw some pretty good knocks from a number of their batters. They played well. But I'm really pleased with our efforts with the ball and in the field. I thought we were really good. It just didn't go our way.

"I don't think we were brilliant, but I thought it was a really solid performance. Conditions have changed, but that's what first-class cricket is. I'm proud of the lads.

"With them avoiding the follow-on, it's made a result a little more difficult. But we will certainly be going in with the attitude of trying to force a win. How it pans out, we'll have to wait and see.”

Steve Patterson struck twice yesterday to add to the Sidebottom scalp.

He first of all trapped Vince lbw as the right-hander offered no shot to an in-swinger.

That ended a 75-run stand for the sixth wicket with Ervine, who then went on to add 143 inside 48 overs for the seventh wicket with Adam Wheater.

They batted from before lunch into the early evening before Wheater chipped Patterson to mid-wicket for 62.

Ervine and Chris Wood shared 45 for the eighth wicket, a stand ended when Sidebottom struck to reach a magnificent milestone.

At that stage, Hampshire were still 53 away from avoiding the follow-on at 391-8.

But Wood and Ryan McLaren, who reached 55 not out, shared 59 unbroken to leave a Yorkshire win as a long shot.

On Sidebottom’s 1,000, Gillespie added: "It probably just shows he's getting old!

“It’s a testament to the lad. He's in his 19th season of first-class season as a bowler, and that's a hell of an effort.

“He's played in successful teams; done well internationally and domestically for a couple of teams. The guy works his butt off. He's got drive, he's got ambition and is a credit to himself and the club.”