THERE was further frustration in the afternoon for Durham through two rain breaks and a sixth-wicket stand of 68 between Neil Dexter and John Simpson.

The resumption after lunch was delayed then in the third over Ben Stokes hit Tom Smith on the boot to gain an lbw verdict.

That made it 35 for five, but the rain immediately returned and the players were on and off again fairly quickly.

Once the weather settled down Stokes began to bowl too short and left-hander Simpson punched two back-foot fours through the covers in an over which cost 13.

Stokes’ next over cost seven and with neither he nor Mark Wood able to make an impression they made way for Callum Thorp and Graham Onions.

The stand ended when Simpson appeared in two minds about what to do with a short ball from Onions and toe-ended it to mid-off.

At tea Dexter was on 29 with Middlesex one run past the follow-on target on 111 for six.