Sheriyar's all-round skill can't stop Law

Durham survived a double dose of inspirational cricket by Alamgir Sheriyar before Danny Law took them 33 runs clear of Worcestershire's first innings total of 227.

The left-arm paceman made 20 - only one short of his career-best - in a last-wicket partnership of 54 with Stuart Lampitt and then took 6 for 88 - one wicket short of a personal-best - when Durham reached 260 on a day of twists and turns.

What Lampitt did for Worcestershire with an unbeaten 42 was surpassed by Law with 64 as the former Essex all-rounder put on 84 for Durham's 10th wicket with Nicky Hatch. Law's first Championship half-century since moving to the Riverside this summer ended in the penultimate over when he was caught behind off Andy Bichel.

The second day began with Worcestershire's last three wickets adding 78 before James Brinkley wrapped it up with 3 for 58 and continued in a sunshine phase as Martin Love reached an eye-catching 50 in 38 balls for Durham.

The Australian stroke-maker hit nine fours and a six but faced only one more delivery before he was given out lbw to Lampitt.

Durham lost their momentum with that dismissal and lost a fourth wicket before tea when Nicky Peng, recovered from a blow on the hand while fielding on Thursday, became Bichel's 48th Championship victim of the summer.

Only 80 behind with six wickets standing at tea, the northerners ran into an unexpected storm as Sheriyar replaced Bichel at the Railway End and took five wickets for 11 in 26 balls.

Two came from lbw decisions and three were bowled, including the most important prize when Paul Collingwood pulled across a straight ball after making 47.