After winning the toss and opting to bat first Durham lost Michael Di Venuto early on who was out without scoring, lbw to Sidebottom off the sixth delivery of the day. Durham were 29-2 after his replacement, Gordon Muchall was caught at gully by Samit Patel off 15 in the tenth over.
Durham just passed Benks edges it to the keeper off Adams third ball for 13. Durham 53-3 after 13.3 overs. Ben Harmison, who replaced the injured Ben Stokes (foot) in the team, was caught behind off Franks for 2 just before lunch with Durham 76-4.
At the break Durham were 93-4 with Stoneman 45* and Blackwell 7*.
Stoneman reached fifty from 95 deliveries including nine fours before he and Blackwell saw Durham passed the 150 mark. It was Stoneman who next out, lbw to Adams for 67 with the hosts 166-5. Adams struck again when he bowled Blackwell for 59, bringing Scott Bothwick to the middle to join the captain.
Durham scored quickly in the final session, sailing past 300 as Mustard earned his century (from 131 balls, 16 boundaries and Borthwick, who was dropped on 0, reached fifty from 89 balls including nine fours).
At the close of play on day one Durham were 347- 6 with Borthwick 54* and Mustard 117*.
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After his session at the crease, we spoke to Phil Mustard, “We thought when we won the toss that in the first half hour there would be a little bit in the wicket, a bit of moisture so you have to give credit to Mark Stoneman who really battled out there this morning for the likes of me, Scotty and Blackie to come in behind him.
“We were in a bit of trouble when I went in but I’ve got a job to do at number seven, the second new ball is crucial for me and hopefully I can continue to improve. Some of the shots Scott played just before his fifty were excellent, he batted really well.
“It’s great to get those batting points today but we’re on the lookout for another two tomorrow. If we can get another hundred tomorrow we put ourselves in a strong position to try and bowl them out twice.”