Durham up against it in big relegation battle

YORKSHIRE had the better of day two of their final-round Rothesay County Championship relegation encounter with Durham at Headingley, with Mayank Agarwal’s superb 175 increasing their visitors’ fear of the drop.

- By Graham Hardcastle

Yorkshire's Mayank Agarwal takes the plaudits

This was a batter’s day in sunny Leeds, where two men posted centuries.

Durham all-rounder Ben Raine was the first, advancing from 87 not out overnight to a superb 101.

Unfortunately for him, though, Durham could only convert a 322 for seven score into 346 all out, with new-ball seamer Jack White completing an impressive five for 69.

Indian overseas batter Agarwal - 20 fours and five sixes in 195 balls - followed Raine to three figures as the hosts replied with a commanding 314 for five from 86 overs. He shared a second-wicket 127 either side of lunch with opener Adam Lyth, whose 69 came on his 38th birthday.

Yorkshire started this week seventh in Division One on 146 points, six clear of second-bottom Durham but with a better most wins tiebreaker record. They needed 10 points to survive.

Five of those have been accrued, and a draw will be enough from here.

For Durham, although it’s not yet certain, they will likely have to win this game to stay up.

Should Hampshire lose to Surrey, a draw would be enough, but Hampshire have the advantage in Southampton.