AARON Finch has urged Yorkshire’s bowlers to remain patient as they chase a fourth successive LV= County Championship victory during tomorrow's final day against Warwickshire at Edgbaston.

The Australian’s positive 73 not out off 75 balls helped the Division One leaders set a challenging target of 434 in a minimum of 110 overs during the latter stages of today’s third day.

Warwickshire closed at 43-1 from 14, with the only wicket going to Ryan Sidebottom.

Finch believes Yorkshire searched too hard for wickets during their brief spell with the ball tonight, and it would be understandable if they do the same again tomorrow given the obvious threat of rain in Birmingham.

Each day of this match has been badly affected by the weather, with 42 overs lost on day three due to a number of rain delays.

"If we put the ball in the right area enough times, bowl full and straight, there will be nine chances there," said Finch, who was promoted to number four in the order this afternoon as Yorkshire pursued a second-innings declaration.

“We probably bowled a little bit short if we're being ultra critical, maybe a bit wide, but it's hard when you're only bowling 14 overs not to try and over attack. But we're in a great position.

"There have been a couple which have kept low throughout our second innings and theirs, so it's about being consistent and patient, not striving to bowl them out in a session or two.

"It's been a game where wickets have fallen in clumps. It's important to maintain that pressure, and balls in a row at the same batters are going to be crucial.”

Finch shared 67 inside 13 overs for the third wicket with opener Will Rhodes, whose 79 off 186 balls was a career best as Yorkshire advanced their second innings from 123-1 overnight to 289-7 declared after tea.

Finch hit five fours and two big leg-side sixes in his highest score since returning to the club last month following a lengthy lay-off with a torn hamstring.

It was also the Australia Twenty20 captain’s second highest score in Championship cricket for Yorkshire across two spells as their overseas player, with his highest being last season’s century in a win on this ground.

“It’s a nice feeling when you turn up to a ground where you’ve got a hundred or the team’s won,” he said, also paying tribute to 20-year-old Rhodes. “You just feel comfortable and walk out with a bit more confidence.

“It’s a beautiful place to bat once you get in. I haven't made many runs to be fair but coming back after a lengthy lay-off has been tough. I feel like my game's in good order.

"Will played beautifully for a young kid who has been up and down the order this season. But he offers so much with the bat, ball and in the field, and he's going to be a long-term cricketer for Yorkshire, I'm sure."

Sidebottom then trapped Varun Chopra lbw for a duck four balls into Warwickshire’s chase with another swinging delivery. It was captain Chopra’s first pair in six seasons playing for the county since joining from Essex.

Unfortunately for Yorkshire, Jonathan Trott and Ian Westwood stood firm through to close.