Slow progress

On a glorious morning the fans would doubtless have preferred to see Phil Mustard come in at No 4 in the hope that quick runs would allow an early afternoon declaration.

But Durham stuck to their normal batting order and reached 177 for four at lunch, leading by 240. They added 88 in 30 overs with skipper Paul Collingwood scoring only six off the first 24 balls he faced before progressing to 14 not out.

Borthwick, on 11 when Durham resumed on 89 for one, remains unbeaten on 55 as he continues to cement his position at No 3.

Keaton Jennings added seven to his overnight 28 before slicing a drive to gully, which at least showed some positive intent. Although Will Smith responded willingly to Borthwick’s quick running, only 20 runs were scored in the first 45 minutes.

While James Harris bowled well, a lot of short, wide balls from Gareth Berg were allowed to pass by.

A double bowling change prompted a sudden shift up through the gears, but when the stand was worth 49 in 15 overs Smith fell for 17 when he skied an attempted pull off Toby Roland-Jones. The same bowler had Ben Stokes lbw for four.

Durham are likely to want a further 50 runs before declaring, but by that time they will have fewer than 50 overs in which to try to dismiss Middlesex.