Tykes looking forward to a uphill task

A knock of 150 by acting captain Dale Benkenstein has put Durham in a strong position to push for victory on the final day against Yorkshire.

After being set a monumental target of 490 in four full sessions, the hosts reached the close on 83-2 at Headingley from 32 overs.

Young opener Joe Root will resume again on 38 not out having shared a 64-run stand for the first wicket with Adam Lyth (26). Anthony McGrath was the other batsman to be dismissed, falling to Ian Blackwell for just seven.

The Tykes still have a lot of work to do if they are to escape unscathed, though, after Benkenstein, filling in as skipper due to an injury to Phil Mustard, had registered his third ton against the county in four-day cricket.

The veteran batsman shared a record sixth-wicket stand of 187 with Michael Richardson, who followed up his 67 in the first innings with an unbeaten 73.

The duo had come together with Durham in a spot of bother at 124-5 but proceeded to bat their opponents out of the game. Benkenstein’s departure on the stroke of tea led to a declaration at 311-6.