Australia A start well in chase

Australia A made a solid start as they chased 224 for victory against Durham after another day dominated by the ball at Chester-le-Street. The home side earned a lead of 38 before stumbling to 49 for 5 in their second innings, but a robust 62 from Ian Blackwell, the first half-century of the match, set a demanding total.

However, in 13 overs before bad light brought an early close Ed Cown and Liam Davis added 56 - 44 of which came in boundaries - after the top order failed to convince in the first innings. Australia A had resumed on 111 for 6 and Nathan Coulter-Nile fell to the fourth ball of the day and, after a stand of 41 between Tim Paine and Mitchell Starc, the last three wickets fell for seven.

Australia A's pace bowlers were soon making inroads. Starc had Mark Stoneman, the Durham captain for this match, caught behind and Alister McDermott added two more scalps to the four he took on the opening day including that of Ben Stokes.

Blackwell, though, responded with the most free-flowing innings of the match as he crunched six fours and three sixes in a 63-ball stay. He added 86 in 19 overs for the sixth wicket with Michael Richardson to push the lead towards 200.

Jon Holland, the left-arm spinner, broke through in his fourth over and he claimed two further wickets to help end Durham's innings. Coulter-Nile, who was a late addition to the squad after James Pattinson was injured, also ended with 3 for 32.