Durham Stalemate

It wasn't necessarily the world's most tedious draw, but Yorkshire's admirable efforts to polish off the formidable Durham were thwarted on a pitch which yielded only twenty-two wickets in four days of cricket. In spite of failing to bowl the hosts out twice, the Tykes can take many positives from the tussle in the north east.

For a start, it was no mean achievement to amass a total just short of six hundred, before a declaration was made, against last summer's best bowling attack. Secondly, not only did the white rose out-score the reigning champions but Yorkshire also took fourteen of the match's twenty-two wickets. Furthermore, a number of the Yorkshire batsmen spent time at the crease, cashing in on a benign wicket and helping themselves to plenty of runs. Such an extended stay out in the middle should do wonders for Yorkshire's top order batsmen. Of course it was disappointing that the away team could not steamroller their way through a stubborn Durham rearguard, but if the Tykes maintain this level of performance against lesser teams, then the white rose can still flourish this season.

Durham versus YORKSHIRE; at Durham; 4th-7th May. YORKSHIRE won the toss.

YORKSHIRE first innings: 589 for 8 declared (Gale 124, Lyth 104, Williamson 97, Bairstow 95, Rashid 68; Rushworth 3-113)

Durham first innings: 388 (Richardson 148, Stoneman 131; Rashid 3-73, Plunkett 3-74)

Durham second innings: 100 for 4 (Jennings 54*)

Match drawn.

Lyth - Adam continued his fine early-season form with an admirable ton. Can he really kick on from here?

Lees - The young buck missed out on the runs feast, having been dismissed for a measly nine.

Williamson - He will be livid to narrowly miss out on a century, but his part in a large second-wicket stand was most valuable.

Gale - It's not easy to come in after a big partnership, but the captain compiled an excellent hundred. Hopefully this will be the shape of things to come.

Bairstow - If he played half as well for England as he does for Yorkshire, he would be a superstar. However as we saw here, England's loss is Yorkshire's gain.

Rashid - Our all-rounder took four match wickets at a cost of 95 and weighed in with a good helping of runs too.

Hodd - Andrew did reasonably well. He scored runs and took six catches and stumpings too.

Bresnan - Although wickets were not very forthcoming, the big guy bowled very tidily on his welcome return to first-class cricket.

Plunkett - Big Liam bowled economically in both innings, which was a pleasant surprise. He also ran out the dastardly Mark Stoneman in their second innings.

Sidebottom - The veteran led from the front in the first innings but was more subdued when Durham were required to follow on.

Brooks - In a reverse of his efforts at Lord's, Jack bowled poorly in the first innings but redeemed himself second time around.