Ben McKinney's spectacular maiden first-class century, paired with a resolute hundred from Alex Lees, propelled Durham into a commanding position on the opening day of their County Championship encounter against Nottinghamshire at Seat Unique Riverside.
Playing only his second County Championship match, McKinney took on an experienced Nottinghamshire bowling lineup with confidence, capitalising on Haseeb Hameed's decision to bowl first. Meanwhile, Lees anchored the innings, reaching his third century of the season, as Durham posted an imposing total of 393-5 by the close of play.
McKinney set the tone early, attacking the bowlers from the outset, as he and Lees compiled a formidable 189-run opening partnership, Durham's highest of the season. Nottinghamshire managed to regain some ground with three quick wickets for 58 runs, but Lees found a reliable partner in Ashton Turner, with whom he added another 122 runs to solidify Durham's dominance.
McKinney, fresh off his stint with the England Lions, showcased his talent by dominating the bowling attack with some exquisite shots, especially through the off-side. Lees, on the other hand, provided stability at the other end, methodically progressing to his 15th first-class century for Durham.
Nottinghamshire captain Hameed might be regretting his choice to bowl first, as Durham capitalised on the conditions to post a significant total. McKinney and Lees successfully weathered a challenging opening spell from Olly Stone, who had been released from England's Test squad to play, and Brett Hutton. Once settled, McKinney seized the opportunity to attack, smashing two stunning boundaries off Stone in a single over.
The tall left-hander reached his half-century with a crisp cover drive, while Lees ensured the scoreboard continued to tick over, taking their partnership past 100 just before lunch. After the break, McKinney maintained his aggressive approach, adding more boundaries to his tally, including a powerful pull shot off Hutton's bowling.
Durham celebrated a series of milestones after lunch, with Lees reaching his fifty from 114 balls, and McKinney bringing up his maiden century in just 117 deliveries with a stylish cover drive. McKinney later launched Freddie McCann for a towering six over mid-off, but his innings ended at 121 when he mistimed a shot straight to mid-wicket.
Scott Borthwick appeared in fine form but was dismissed for 26 when Lyndon James bowled him with a delivery that clipped the top of off-stump. James struck again shortly after, removing Ollie Robinson for 13.
Lees reached his century after tea, taking 223 balls to get there, with only seven boundaries. Turner, making his Championship debut for Durham, joined Lees at the crease and together they ran well between the wickets, accumulating runs steadily and taking Durham past 300.
Turner showcased his skills with a well-timed pull shot for four, and Lees added to the total by guiding Stone to the third-man boundary. Although Nottinghamshire took the second new ball, it initially brought them little relief. Turner reached his half-century off 70 balls before Hutton managed to bowl Lees for a well-earned 145, offering Nottinghamshire a glimmer of hope late in the day.
James claimed his third wicket by dismissing Graham Clark for seven, but Turner remained unbeaten on 62 as the day concluded, leaving Durham in a strong position heading into day two.