AFTER fielding first and conceding more than 300 in their last two games, dispirited Durham batted without purpose after winning the toss on a grim day at Headingley.

On a grudging pitch only Gordon Muchall timed the ball, scoring 31 off 35 balls, as Durham struggled to 166 all out in 49.3 overs.

Muchall was not in the team which won the county championship last season, but while his rehabilitation has gone well the euphoria has vanished for the rest.

The ridiculous schedule has much to do with it, and apart from sapping spirits it has taken its toll physically, with Steve Harmison, Michael D Venuoto and Callum Thorp missing this game.

By the time Durham have been to The Oval and back for Friday’s Friends Provident tie they will have covered over 2,000 miles in two and a half weeks.

Harmison has a sore shin and will also miss the last two FPT games, while Di Venuto has a groin injury. He could be fit for Friday, but Durham will take no risks with anyone’s fitness as they have no chance of qualifying for the quarter-finals.

Neil Killeen has yet to play this season because of a calf problem, but will start his comeback with a game on Saturday for the academy team, which also features his stepson, Jonathan.

When Yorkshire’s Richard Pyrah removes three of the top five batsmen, it’s a fair indication that the pitch is a slow seamer.

Phil Mustard chipped him to mid-wicket after grafting for 12 overs to make 20, which was the second highest score.

Kyle Coetzer, making his first appearance of the season, opened in place of Di Venuto and made 11 before edging Rana Naved to first slip.

The rest was a steady procession, culminating with 6ft 7in debutant seamer Luke Evans confirming that, batting-wise, he will rank alongside some of the legendary No 11s like former Yorkshire bowler Mark Robinson.