It was a Twenty20-style knock which has brought Durham back into a game they were in danger of losing, although much more will be expected of those who failed with the bat first time around.

Having lost three wickets for just one run at the top of the order on Tuesday evening, Durham’s specialist batsmen were routed again in the morning.

Dale Benkenstein and Kyle Coetzer, who had briefly rallied the night before, failed to kick on as Ali found vicious late swing under the hazy morning cloud.

Ali is a dangerous bowler whenever there is mid-air movement, and he controlled it expertly to decimate Durham with figures of 6-68.

When Ian Blackwell was bowled by Matt Mason, Durham had lost three wickets for as many runs in as many overs and Worcestershire were threatening to bowl them out of the game.

Mustard, though, thought otherwise, allowing Liam Plunkett (29) and Callum Thorp (17) to go on the attack before launching himself into things when they departed.

Unfortunately, as soon as Durham had fought their way back in to the game to set up a fascinating second-innings battle, the threat of a lightning strike forced the players back into the dressing room. ECB regulations mean play must be postponed if there is any threat to the players. The forked lightning was clearly a risk and, when the rain fell, play was abandoned.