Durham v Middlesex: Hosts struggle despite Malan heroics

Malan has hit two centuries and four fifties so far this season

Dawid Malan fell three runs short of his century as Middlesex struggled on day two against Durham at Lord's.

Resuming on 348-7, Durham had Scott Borthwick caught by Sam Robson at fine leg off Steven Finn for 176.

The away side were bowled out for 377, but the hosts lost Chris Rogers and Robson cheaply to fall to 47-2.

Despite Malan making 97, Middlesex were bowled out for 276 and, although Durham lost Keaton Jennings for a duck, the visitors closed on 28-1, a lead of 129.

Right-arm seamer Chris Rushworth (3-86) did most of the damage for the visitors as Middlesex struggled, while Australian John Hastings took 1-50 in his final match for the reigning hampions.

However, Malan, who reached 1,000 first-class runs for the season, shared half-century partnerships with Eoin Morgan (25) and Neil Dexter as the home side recovered.

Toby Roland-Jones fell one short of his half-century as he ensured Middlesex passed the follow-on target of 227.

Durham opener Keaton Jennings earned an unwelcome pair, as he was removed for a duck for the second time in the match by Tim Murtagh.

But Phil Mustard (21 not out) and Scott Borthwick (7 not out) kept the Middlesex bowlers at bay for the remaining eight overs.

Middlesex batsman Dawid Malan:

"It was not the best day for us, especially given our position in the Division One table. It's disappointing.

"We bowled well to get their last three wickets, but then to be 160-odd for three and get bowled out for 276 is not acceptable.

"Five or six of us, including myself, gave our wickets away with the shots we played and it was only the stand between Toby Roland-Jones and Tim Murtagh which got us out of a bigger hole.

"I felt good at the crease, and got into a nice rhythm, but to reach 97 and then get out in the way I did, and for my dismissal to begin our collapse, is doubly disappointing."

Durham seam bowler Chris Rushworth:

"We fought back well with the ball and hopefully now we can make a solid start in the morning and push on and pile some runs on.

"It was a good team performance. Malan performed well but rode his luck a bit but we always stick our task and it is nice to see the wickets get shared around.

"There is still a little bit of seam movement in the pitch. It does look like it is going to spin at moment and tonight there were a couple of balls that kept a little low. The key is to get past Tim Murtagh and Steven Finn in the morning and hopefully we can bat until well into the day.

"During the season 60, 70, 80-run leads have proved to be crucial so hopefully our 100-run lead is enough of a cushion to push on from."

BBC London 94.9's Kevin Hand:

"Having been on the back foot for the majority of the first two days, Middlesex's ninth-wicket partnership not only helped save the follow-on, but also opened up the chance to turn the game around.

"Durham are heavy favourites but, with the weather set fair, and two full days to come, a draw is highly unlikely, so the hosts will hope that the 10.30 start will again bring some cheap early wickets.

"Tim Murtagh has been the most threatening Middlesex bowler in the match and he now has six scalps after seeing Keaton Jennings dropped at slip off the first ball of the innings, only to bowl him for a pair with his fourth delivery."

BBC Radio Newcastle's Martin Emmerson:

"Durham are looking for their second win at Lord's in a Championship match.

"Their last was in 1998, so it has been a long wait and, although they earned a decent first innings lead of 101, there is still work to do here.

"Scott Borthwick's 176 was the stand-out performance. From 10 innings against Middlesex, he now boasts an impressive average of 107.6."