Rain stops play and forces draw

CAPTAIN Jonny Bairstow posted an unbeaten 86 as Yorkshire thwarted a depleted Durham attack to secure a Rothesay County Championship draw during a shortened fourth day at the Banks Homes Riverside.

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Impressive Bairstow shared halfcentury partnerships for the fifth and sixth wickets with all-rounders George Hill and Matthew Revis during the morning session as Yorkshire, who started the day on 132 for four in their second innings - leading by 12, reached 232 for five at lunch.

With a lead of 112, Yorkshire had taken the sting out of the situation and continued to build their lead after lunch, when rain arrived just before 3pm with them at 277 for six from 105.3 overs and 157 ahead.

When rain hit the North East venue to leave them with a 13-point haul from this third round match, added to an earlier defeat and victory to start the season.

Durham will rue the loss of injured seamers Paul Coughlin and Brendan Doggett throughout this fixture, which saw them claim 15 points and end a two-match losing start.