Lancashire fight to stave off defeat

Durham have enjoyed an encouraging start to their pursuit of 247 to beat Lancashire at Southport, reaching lunch on day four at 97 for two from 35 overs.

This is a key fixture in the Specsavers County Championship title race, with the winner taking a huge stride forward as they bid to close in on leaders Middlesex.

Lancashire removed Mark Stoneman, in the day’s first over, and Scott Borthwick, reducing the score to 47 for two in the 16th over.

But in-form opener Keaton Jennings has stood firm with 40 not out.

Stoneman was trapped lbw by Kyle Jarvis with the new ball before Tom Smith had Borthwick caught in the gully by a tumbling Alviro Petersen for 28.

Jack Burnham was handed a life on 21 just before lunch when Tom Smith failed to grasp a one-handed slip chance diving to his right off Simon Kerrigan.

Jennings and Burnham have shared 50, and Durham need 150 more to win.