Durham have been defeated by Middlesex by 6 wickets at Lords in an early finishing LV=County Championship match today.
With the first two days seeing over 30 wickets fall, there was small element of hope Durham could pull off a remarkable win going into the third day and when Graham Onions struck early there was a glimmer of hope.
In his second over of the day Onions claimed the wicket of Voges who hit one straight up in the air and found Phil Mustard’s hands, departing for 36.
Middlesex needed 41 runs and Durham a further 7 wickets.Despite the best efforts from the Durham attack Middlesex remained composed at the crease.
Ben Stokes claimed a late consolation wicket with Will Smith taking a good catch but Middlesex needed just the two more runs and were able to chase downthe required tally just four wickets down.
It was a disappointing result for Durham who hadn’t lost a Championship game since the end of April and now slip behind Middlesex on the LVCC table.
Despite it being a bowler-friendly wicket, there were runs there to be made and Ben Stokes 51 was the best for Durham in both innings. Unfortunately the lack of partnerships in both Durham innings cost them and they were not able to post enough runs of the board toapply the scoreboard pressure in the Middlesex run chase.
The side will now switch focus their attention back to t20 mode as they prepare for a Friends Life t20 Quarter Final against the Northants on Tuesday evening.