DESPITE overcast skies and earlier drizzle, Durham resumed on 322/6 at Edgbaston this morning.

The heavy conditions should suit Warwickshire’s bowling attack – provided the rain holds off and the ball stays dry.

Having turned 46 into 107no between tea and the close of yesterday’s play, Ian Blackwell’s task now is to turn that quickfire century into an innings of real substance.

The former Somerset man admitted as much last night, expecting another tough examination today, along with injury-hampered Mark Stoneman.

Durham had hoped not to press Stoneman back into service after he strained a thigh muscle when opening the batting.

But when Durham lost Phil Mustard and Gareth Breese to find themselves six wickets down before yesterday’s close, back came Stoneman, with Gordon Muchall as his runner.

Should Durham post a score around 400 they will give themselves a fighting chance.