Vaughan knocks on England's door for the opener's berth

Michael Vaughan scored an excellent 94 n.o. to give Yorkshire a chance of getting away with a draw against Durham at Leeds. Following on the host county required 176 more runs to avoid defeat by an innings after their meagre first innings 129.

Vaughan withstood all his opponents could muster in batting through the 59 overs cricket that the delayed start allowed. His innings was almost faultless and contained nine fours from 215 deliveries. England's selectors, who must consider the first-wicket batting position before the Test Match against West Indies in a month's time, could not have failed to notice.

Vaughan and Byas started with a stand of 62 runs before Mel Betts had the latter caught/bowled, but Vaughan continued to score freely being particularly strong in cover-drives and strokes off his legs. His half-century was reached in 109 balls. Richard Blakey stayed with him tenaciously: his 12 n.o. has occupied 152 minutes.

Yorkshire finished at 149-1 .... still 36 runs in debit but feeling more confident than they had when the day started. Michael Gough missed the day's play as he was taken to hospital with a mystery illness.