McGrath leads Yorkshire rally
A round-up of all the action from the third day of the latest Division Two County Championship matches
Cricinfo staff
22-May-2005
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Durham 316 and 53 for 0 need 192 more runs to beat Yorkshire 254 and 306 (McGrath 133*, Silverwood 80, Lewis 5-80)
Scorecard
A fascinating final day is in prospect at The Riverside as Durham aim to make in five wins out of five, after Yorkshire battled back from the brink of defeat. Mid-way through the afternoon session a three-day finish was on the cards as Yorkshire slipped to 162 for 8, a lead of just 100. But Anthony McGrath and Chris Silverwood launched a thrilling fight back, adding 108 for the ninth wicket. Silverwood took the long-handle approach, piling into the Durham attack, as he scorched his way to career-best 80 from 66 balls with eight fours and three sixes. McGrath made his second unbeaten hundred in two Championship matches, following his 165 not out against Leicestershire, and stroked 15 fours and a six in his 194-ball innings. Mick Lewis finally ended the Yorkshire innings to finish with 5 for 80 and nine wickets in the match. Liam Plunkett impressed again with three top-order wickets until he became expensive during the Silverwood onslaught. But Durham have been faced with challenges already this season and the openers began the chase of 245 in positive fashion, closing the day on 53 without loss.
Scorecard
A fascinating final day is in prospect at The Riverside as Durham aim to make in five wins out of five, after Yorkshire battled back from the brink of defeat. Mid-way through the afternoon session a three-day finish was on the cards as Yorkshire slipped to 162 for 8, a lead of just 100. But Anthony McGrath and Chris Silverwood launched a thrilling fight back, adding 108 for the ninth wicket. Silverwood took the long-handle approach, piling into the Durham attack, as he scorched his way to career-best 80 from 66 balls with eight fours and three sixes. McGrath made his second unbeaten hundred in two Championship matches, following his 165 not out against Leicestershire, and stroked 15 fours and a six in his 194-ball innings. Mick Lewis finally ended the Yorkshire innings to finish with 5 for 80 and nine wickets in the match. Liam Plunkett impressed again with three top-order wickets until he became expensive during the Silverwood onslaught. But Durham have been faced with challenges already this season and the openers began the chase of 245 in positive fashion, closing the day on 53 without loss.
Worcestershire 383 and 21 for 2 need 146 more runs to beat Essex 220 and 329 (A Flower 85, Cook 46, Batty 3-51)
Scorecard
Essex battled all day to remain in this match and still have a chance of pulling off an unlikely win. Faced with a first-innings deficit of 163 Essex produced contributions from all the way down their batting order. Will Jefferson and Alastair Cook gave the innings a solid foundation with a stand of 70 but Worcestershire chipped way and Essex were still four runs behind when their fourth wicket fell. But Andy Flower used all his experience and added 87 with James Foster before Gareth Batty removed Foster and James Middlebrook in two balls. Still, Essex refused to buckle. Darren Gough and Ashley Cowan chipped in until Worcestershire's attack managed to finish them off. The day had a final twist as Gough and Dale Steyn grabbed a wicket apiece to give Worcestershire an uncomfortable night's sleep.
Scorecard
Essex battled all day to remain in this match and still have a chance of pulling off an unlikely win. Faced with a first-innings deficit of 163 Essex produced contributions from all the way down their batting order. Will Jefferson and Alastair Cook gave the innings a solid foundation with a stand of 70 but Worcestershire chipped way and Essex were still four runs behind when their fourth wicket fell. But Andy Flower used all his experience and added 87 with James Foster before Gareth Batty removed Foster and James Middlebrook in two balls. Still, Essex refused to buckle. Darren Gough and Ashley Cowan chipped in until Worcestershire's attack managed to finish them off. The day had a final twist as Gough and Dale Steyn grabbed a wicket apiece to give Worcestershire an uncomfortable night's sleep.
Somerset 195 for 3 (Burns 87, Jayasuriya 72*) v Lancashire
Scorecard
Rain continued to thwart this game with only 20 overs possible to follow the 16 overs available on Saturday. Michael Burns moved to 87 before he was trapped lbw by Dominic Cork, as Lancashire finally claimed a bowling point - three days after winning the toss and opting to field. Sanath Jayasuriya lit up a dank day with some dazzling strokes, reaching his half-century with a six, and trying his hardest not to be dismissed by Muttiah Muralitharan, his Sri Lankan team-mate.
Scorecard
Rain continued to thwart this game with only 20 overs possible to follow the 16 overs available on Saturday. Michael Burns moved to 87 before he was trapped lbw by Dominic Cork, as Lancashire finally claimed a bowling point - three days after winning the toss and opting to field. Sanath Jayasuriya lit up a dank day with some dazzling strokes, reaching his half-century with a six, and trying his hardest not to be dismissed by Muttiah Muralitharan, his Sri Lankan team-mate.