Defeat looms for outclassed Durham side

DURHAM are on the brink of defeat after another poor day with the bat against promotion-chasing Northamptonshire.

The home side requires just two wickets to clinch victory, with Durham 212-8 at close, requiring 402 to win.

Ned Eckersley’s stubborn 54 not out in 117 balls allowed Durham to survive to the close of day three but victory appears almost impossible at this stage.

Northamptonshire enjoyed another excellent day, adding 90 runs in the morning thanks to Luke Procter’s season’s best 86 not out. The target always appeared fanciful and a second superb bowling display by the home attack moved them towards an big win.

Brett Hutton took four key wickets, claiming the scalps of Alex Lees, Angus Robson, Cameron Steel and Ben Raine.

Durham did find a partnership mid-afternoon with BJ Watling and Jack Burnham adding 66 in 21.3 overs. Procter won the war though, claiming both wickets before tea.

In between those wickets, Scott Steel pushed at Ben Sanderson and was bowled for the second time in the match.

Eckersley again resisted well, showing the gumption his colleagues up the order lacked. The Durham captain shared a 50 stand with Brydon Carse that held up Northants. Carse slashed Bracewell to third slip for 30, only for Matt Salisbury to block back 55 balls for 2 to help take the match into day four.

Durham head coach James Franklin said: “We’ve been outplayed by Northants and tomorrow is just the last rites. Ned has done exceptionally well to take us to the last day but we’ve been behind for all three days.”