Durham v Notts: Paul Collingwood hits ton in evenly poised match

Collingwood has hit 640 first-class runs so far this season

Paul Collingwood hit his first Championship ton for Durham since August 2012 to leave Notts needing 375 to win at Chester-Le-Street.

After his side resumed on 196-7, Collingwood made 100 off 220 balls, with 10 fours, before he was bowled by Ajmal Shahzad as Durham totalled 309.

Notts fell to 66-3 before Riki Wessels (77 not out) shared half-century stands with Michael Lumb and James Franklin.

The visitors finished on 197-4, needing a further 178 runs to win.

Durham skipper Collingwood, who signed a one-year contract extension last week, also shared a record 84-run ninth-wicket stand for the county against Notts with Chris Rushworth (45).

It was an equally memorable day for 20-year-old debutant Peter Chase, as he picked up his first first-class wicket when he had Notts opener Michael Lumb (58) caught superbly at gully by Calum MacLeod.

But Wessels, who has made the second highest number of runs in first-class cricket this season, struck 14 boundaries and will be aiming to lead title-chasing Notts to a vital victory, as they look to surpass Yorkshire's record run-chase of 339 at the same ground last summer.

Meanwhile, Durham will be looking to claim early wickets as they look to claw themselves out of the relegation spot they currently occupy.

Durham debutant Peter Chase:

"Batting with Collingwood was a dream come true, I never expected to bat with someone of his calibre.

"It was very special to get my first wicket, I just wanted to get it out of the way.

"The Notts batsmen batted well at the end but I think if we hit our lengths and make them make mistakes, we are still in the driving seat, especially with some of the bowlers we have."

BBC Newcastle's Martin Emmerson:

"A fantastic hundred by Durham captain Paul Collingwood - his first for two summers - saw him lead a rearguard action as the hosts set Notts a target of 375 for victory.

"However, there have only been five fourth innings scores on the this pitch greater than 300 and only three have resulted in a win.

"A flattening pitch is in Notts favour and getting rid of Rikki Wessels early will be key to Durham's chances.

"The day was also memorable for one of the best gully catches I have seen as Scotland's Calum MacLeod held onto an edge from England's Michael Lumb to give young Irish bowler Peter Chase his first scalp in Championship cricket."