Durham v Warks evenly poised after day three

Durham v Warks evenly poised after day three

Emirates Durham ICG

Durham resumed play on day three with 28-2 on the board and after rain and bad light interruptions had extended their total to 147-7 by the close, leading Warwickshire by 227 runs.

Gordon Muchall (17) was the first victim of the day when he was caught by Patel off Chris Woakes in the sixth over of the day.

Ben Stokes notched up 14 runs before he was caught behind off Barker with the total 75-4.  Night watchman Jamie Harrison scored a career best 23 as he stuck in for a good part of the morning session but became Milnes first Championship victim when he was caught by Chopra.

Woakes and Maddy also claimed wickets thanks to catches from Chopra, with Benkenstein (21) and Mustard (5) dismissed before the lunch break.

Durham were 116-7 at the lunch break with a lead of 196.

There was some concern over Paul Collingwood after he was hit on the right hand, an x-ray taken during the extended delay showed soft tissue and bad bruising however the batsman was ready and raring to get back out in the middle, but rain and bad light prevented any further play.

At the close of play Head Coach Geoff Cook said, “I can safely say that if we have a full day’s play tomorrow there will be a result. Both teams, as we stand have an even chance of winning and really, to state the obvious, the team that plays best, wins the game.   

“It was a valuable thirty runs that Paul Collingwood and Scott Borthwick put on today, hopefully Paul will be able to bat tomorrow after taking a blow to the hand, and if we can put on another 30-35 runs I think we would be in a good position.

“Jamie Harrison did a fantastic job this morning as the night watchman, we went in there saying if you can last 10 overs that would see off the change bowlers, and he did more than that. I thought he was fantastic in difficult conditions and showed a lot of character, bravery and did a good job for the team. “

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