Durham's Lead Holds Despite Worcestershire's Fightback

Durham 190 and 148 for 9 (Ackermann 40, Taylor 4-46, Smith 4-52) lead Worcestershire 112 by 226 runs

On a rai-affected second day at the Seat Unique Riverside, Tom Taylor and Nathan Smith's four-wicket hauls gave Worcestershire a glimmer of hope in their Vitality County Championship match against Durham. Despite their efforts, Durham extended their lead to 226 runs, closing day two on 148 for nine, with Colin Ackermann contributing a vital 40.

Persistent rain delayed play at Chester-le-Street until shortly after 1 PM, with Worcestershire quickly claiming two wickets in a seven-over burst before weather interruptions halted the game again.

Evening session wickets tumbled, but Ackermann adapted well to the conditions, helping Durham build a formidable lead. Smith, uncapped internationally for New Zealand, proved a valuable asset for Worcestershire, finishing with figures of 4 for 52 after adding to his two wickets from a chaotic day one.

Taylor also shone, taking 4 for 46, including the crucial dismissal of England captain Ben Stokes with the last ball of the day. Durham had resumed on 33 for 3 after a rain delay of over two hours.

Night Watchmen Matthew Potts and Peter Siddle resumed at the crease with scores of nought and two, respectively, after a late flurry of wickets on day one. Potts, recalled to the England Test squad for the West Indies series, batted positively, keeping the scoreboard moving.

The first wicket of the day came in the fourth over when Taylor bowled Siddle for three with an excellent delivery. Potts showcased a top-order batsman's skill by whipping a probing ball from Smith for four but was soon bowled for 18 as Smith removed two of his stumps.

After another rain delay, Ackermann and Bedingham, with Scott Borthwick running for him due to a hamstring issue, returned to the crease. The pitch continued to assist the bowlers, with Smith excelling in getting movement off the surface. Bedingham managed a classy cover drive to get off the mark but soon fell for 17, pulling a short ball from Smith straight to Amar Virdi on the legside boundary.

Ackermann batted sensibly alongside Ollie Robinson, adding crucial runs to Durham's lead. Robinson was later dismissed for nine, pulling a Ben Allison delivery to Matthew Waite at fine leg. This brought Ben Stokes to the crease, who fought hard, demonstrating both resilience and boundary-hitting prowess with a six off Allison.

Taylor claimed his third wicket of the innings by having Ackermann edge behind for a determined 40 late in the day. Stokes was then bowled by Taylor with a ball that stayed low, departing for 26 as the last wicket of the day. Despite Worcestershire's efforts, Durham heads into day three with a 226-run lead on a challenging pitch.

Durham 190 and 148 for 9 (Ackermann 40, Taylor 4-46, Smith 4-52) lead Worcestershire 112 by 226 runs

On a rain-affected second day at the Seat Unique Riverside, Tom Taylor and Nathan Smith's four-wicket hauls gave Worcestershire a glimmer of hope in their Vitality County Championship match against Durham. Despite their efforts, Durham extended their lead to 226 runs, closing day two on 148 for nine, with Colin Ackermann contributing a vital 40.

Persistent rain delayed play at Chester-le-Street until shortly after 1 PM, with Worcestershire quickly claiming two wickets in a seven-over burst before weather interruptions halted the game again.

Evening session wickets tumbled, but Ackermann adapted well to the conditions, helping Durham build a formidable lead. Smith, uncapped internationally for New Zealand, proved a valuable asset for Worcestershire, finishing with figures of 4 for 52 after ading to his two wickets from a chaotic day one.

Taylor also shone, taking 4 for 46, including the crucial dismissal of England captain Ben Stokes with the last ball of the day. Durham had resumed on 33 for 3 after a rain delay of over two hours.

Night Watchmen Matthew Potts and Peter Siddle resumed at the crease with scores of nought and two, respectively, after a late flurry of wickets on day one. Potts, recalled to the England Test squad for the West Indies series, batted positively, keeping the scoreboard moving.

The first wicket of the day came in the fourth over when Taylor bowled Siddle for three with an excellent delivery. Potts showcased a top-order batsman's skill by whipping a probing ball from Smith for four but was soon bowled for 18 as Smith removed two of his stumps.

After another rain delay, Ackermann and Bedingham, with Scott Borthwick running for him due to a hamstring issue, returned to the crease. The pitch continued to assist the bowlers, with Smith excelling in getting movement off the surface. Bedingham managed a classy cover drive to get off the mark but soon fell for 17, pulling a short ball from Smith straight to Amar Virdi on the legside boundary.

Ackermann batted sensibly alongside Ollie Robinson, adding crucial runs to Durham's lead. Robinson was later dismissed for nine, pulling a Ben Allison delivery to Matthew Waite at fine leg. This brought Ben Stokes to the crease, who fought hard, demonstrating both resilience and boundary-hitting prowess with a six off Allison.

Taylor claimed his third wicket of the innings by having Ackermann edge behind for a determined 40 late in the day. Stokes was then bowled by Taylor with a ball that stayed low, departing for 26 as the last wicket of the day. Despite Worcestershire's efforts, Durham heads into day three with a 226-run lead on a challenging pitch.