STEVE Harmison struck twice in his first four overs to reduce Worcestershire to 31 for two at tea in reply to Durham’s 587 for seven declared.

Making his comeback after his unfortunate injury in the season’s first match at the Rose Bowl, Harmison relied on his experience rather than pace and aggression.

With two left-handers to bowl at, he placed a leg gully for Matthew Pardoe and had him caught there by 12th man Ben Raine.

Durham had a second substitute on the field in Gareth Breese because, with Dale Benkenstein already off, Ruel Brathwaite was injured in attempting a diving stop.

Benkenstein was again troubled by the knee problem which kept him out of Monday’s game against Scotland, but Brathwaite seemed to make a quick recovery as he limbered up during the tea interval.

A little extra bounce accounted for James Cameron, who had pulled Callum Thorp for six on his way to 18. He pushed forward and the ball flew off the shoulder of the bat to Thorp at gully.

Thorp had driven Moeen Ali for two big sixes in racing to 21 not out before the declaration came with Scott Borthwick one short of his career-best 68.

Phil Mustard became the third century-maker of the innings, hooking Damien Wright for his ninth four to reach the landmark off 136 balls. He fell for 101 when he edged Ali to slip, where Vikram Solanki took his fourth catch.