BEN Stokes went on to complete career-best bowling figures of seven for 67 this afternoon as Sussex were dismissed for 205, 132 behind.

It was harder work than in the second hour this morning and Durham couldn’t dislodge Luke Wright, who made 189 against them at Hove last month and remained unbeaten on 66 this time.

Stokes’ previous best was six for 68 against Hampshire at the Rose Bowl in the first game of the 2011 season.

Wright was joined in a sixth-wicket stand of 54 by Steffan Piolet, who made 25 before Stokes knocked back his off stump.

Having completed a five-wicket haul, the all-rounder was rested and James Tredwell looked reasonably comfortable in making 16 until John Hastings extracted steep bounce to have him caught at second slip by Scott Borthwick.

Left-hander Steve Magoffin edged Hastings to Phil Mustard before Stokes was recalled and saw Wright top-edge a pull over the wicketkeeper for his eighth four to reach 50 off 79 balls.

Jon Lewis wafted at a ball wide of off stump and edged to Mustard, giving him four catches and two assists.

Wright tried to protect last man Lewis Hatchett, but after being unable to get back for a second run off the first ball of an over he saw his left-handed partner play on two balls later.