Durham v Yorkshire: Day three tea
BEN Stokes made a crucial breakthrough for Durham in the second session of their County Championship game at home to Yorkshire.
The Tykes were making comfortable work of their 299-run victory target when Phil Mustard threw the ball to the Cockermouth-raised all-rounder.
From just his third ball Stokes found some extra pace and lured Adam Lyth into an over-confident shot. The opener had made 48 when he edged behind to Mustard.
He and Jacques Rudolph had added an untroubled 113 until Stokes struck.
Lyth had been fortunate not to be run out going for a single that was never there with just six to his name. Mark Stoneman ran across from square leg to collect, but his shy at the stumps missed.
Rudolph was batting the better of the pair and scoring more quickly, bringing up his half-century with a boundary through mid-off. His 50 came from 71 deliveries, with eight fours.
First-innings centurion Anthony McGrath replaced Lyth at the crease, and was yet to score at tea. Yorkshire were 120-1 at the interval, with Rudolph 68 not out.
Durham's second innings lasted just three balls after lunch. Chris Rushworth played and missed twice before playing on to Steve Patterson for a career-best 28.
The television crews seemed more interested in matters off the field, where Tim Bresnan was making his way back from The Oval, having been released by England. The all-rounder arrived at 3.10pm and is expected to bat at number seven if needed. He replaces Oliver Hannon-Dalby - a genuine tail-ender but one who did his job with the ball, recording Yorkshire's best figures of 4-73.
See tomorrow's Journal for a full report and analysis of day three.
