When Durham returned to the crease for the morning session on 215-4, it was Ben Stokes who joined Ian Blackwell in the middle due to Michael Di Venuto retiring with a stiff back before play.
Blackwell was bowled early on by Best for 21 and his replacement, Phil Mustard, returned to the pavilion without scoring after he was caught behind off Best, leaving Durham 228-6.
Ben Stokes, who hit a huge six that bounced off the press box window, and Liam Plunkett went on to put on a partnership of 59 before Stokes became Best’s next victim when he was caught behind by Jonathan Bairstow on 28 as Durham reached 287-7.
Plunkett was bowled by Patterson on 50 having scored his half century, which included eight boundaries, off 90 deliveries. At lunch Durham were 326-8 with Scott Borthwick and Chris Rushworth batting.
In the first over after the break Rushworth’s middle stump is removed by Best for 5. With Di Ventuto unable to bat, Durham finished on 330-9, 280 runs behind Yorkshire’s first innings total.
The hosts enforce the follow on and Kyle Coetzer was joined at the crease by Scott Borthwick, whose wicket had remained in tact from the first innings. The two persevered through the session without being dismissed, pushing Durham to 46-0 as the rain started to fall, bringing play to a halt after 22 overs.
At the close of play durhamccc.co.uk spoke to Geoff Cook about the game “Semi apprentice attack, really good experience for those guys against two international players that were determined to bat to a plan. It was tough getting them out so the first two days were hard work. The wicket started to deteriorate a little bit, but it was never going to be a bowler friendly wicket, it was a case of us trying to get as close to their total as we possibly could.
“We’ve played three games on three pretty slow wickets, we’ve got one win and two fighting draws and we’ve still got a lot of fight and plenty of cricket to go.
“Stephen (trapped nerve) will some do some bowling with us over the next few days and if that comes through there’s a chance he could play some cricket against the University next week. Liam Plunkett is going for a scan tonight (Friday) on his side. He’s had a huge workload over the last ten days, practically carrying the attack virtually against Hampshire and another 20-30 overs here. Mitchell Claydon should be back just after the University match next week so that’ll be a big plus. Luke Evans is coming back from Northampton, he’s going to join us on Sunday.
“Michael Di Venuto will be fit for the next four day game in ten days time but Dale Benkenstein has a detached tendon in his leg so we’re not sure how long he could be out for.”