Blewett hits ton as Notts make bold declaration

Greg Blewett's second century of the season, both against Durham, allowed Nottinghamshire to make a very bold declaration, setting their hosts a target of 315 in 102 overs at Chester-le-Street. In six overs' batting in gloomy light Durham reached 16 without loss.

Blewett, who made 133 at Trent Bridge five weeks ago, hit 137 not out off 191 balls in Notts' second innings total of 219 for five.

Opening the innings because Darren Bicknell had a side strain, Blewett reached a 93-ball 50 with a swept six off Nicky Phillips and also hit 16 fours.

The lack of solid support probably delayed the declaration, along with the loss of seven overs to the day's only rain shortly after tea.

Blewett became the second player of the day to pass 500 Championship runs following Paul Collingwood, whose 91 not out took his tally to 515 at an average of 73.6.

In his last match before joining the England one-day squad, Collingwood began the day on 49 with Durham on 205 for six.

They lost Ian Hunter and James Brinkley to edges off left-armer Greg Smith before they had added the 17 runs needed to avoid the follow-on.

Collingwood hammered Richard Stemp over mid-wicket for six and also hit 11 fours in his 187-ball knock. He put on 58 for the last two wickets with Nicky Phillips and Steve Harmison. Durham were all out for 276, 95 behind, Smith and Stemp taking three wickets each.