Their decision paid off with Durham 40-4, including three lbw decisions with Cork claiming Di Venuto (4) and Tomlinson picking up Stoneman (9) and Blackwell (1).
Ben Stokes and Gordon Muchall steadied the ship with the pair putting on 176 before Stokes was caught at deep square leg by Ervine off the bowling of Briggs just one short of his century. Phil Mustard was caught by McKenzie in the slips off Balcome without scoring and was replaced in the middle by the returning Scott Borthwick.
Gordon Muchall’s century, from 186 balls, including 12 boundaries, signalled the tea break with Durham 230-6 and Borthwick 5*.
The pair continued to score fluently in the final session, their partnership passing 100, with Borthwick’s fifty coming off 68 balls including nine fours. Durham declared once Borthwick was dismissed, caught by Lumb, off Cork for 54. At this point Durham declared with Muchall unbeaten on 140.
By the close of play Hampshire were two down, Blackwell picking up both wickets, bowling Adams for 5 with his first delivery of the innings and Tomlinson caught by Plunkett for 2.
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At the close of play we spoke to centurion Gordon Muchall, “With the situation of the game it was an important knock, Hampshire got away from us a little bit on the first day so to get past the follow on with the rain we had yesterday keeps us right in the game and with them two down tonight we’re back in the game.
“The ball did a bit this morning with it being a bit moist so you had to ride your luck a little bit. It was probably the best knock I’ve had for a few years so it was really pleasing. I’ve always said I’ll bat wherever, as long as I’m contributing to the team – I’ve got this opportunity to score runs and I’ll hopefully keep doing that until the end of the season so I can cement my place in the side. It’s just nice to score a hopefully, match winning knock for the side.
“There is a bit of weather about tomorrow and our declaration gives us the chance to bowl them out cheaply, it’s all in our hands. I think the way the league is at the minute, if you want to win it you’ve got to string some wins together – and a win would put us right back in the mix.”