County Championship: Alex Lees puts Yorkshire on top against Durham

Alex Lees has now scored 10 first-class centuries during his career

Alex Lees hit his third Championship hundred of the season as title-chasing Yorkshire dominated the opening day against Durham at Headingley.

The left-handed opener made 132, with a six and 16 fours, before falling caught and bowled by spinner Ryan Pringle.

Lees, who passed 1,000 Championship runs for the season, put on 163 for the second wicket with Gary Ballance (71).

Graham Onions took 2-82 for Durham, but Jake Lehmann weighed in with 58 as the home side reached stumps on 341-5.

Yorkshire have three batting points so far, but will need to score another 59 in 14 overs on the second morning for all five.

The 2014 and 2015 champions began the match four points behind leaders Middlesex, but made a disappointing start as Adam Lyth fell to Onions in the fourth over.

It was Durham's only success of the morning, however, and their problems increased when Michael Richardson suffered a hand injury and skipper Paul Collingwood had to temporarily take over as wicketkeeper.

Collingwood's handling was secure as he took the catch to get rid of Ballance, Barry McCarthy making a much-needed breakthrough, and Andrew Gale was soon bowled by Onions.

Lees, though, reached three figures off 171 balls and progressed to his highest score of the season before disappointingly chipping a full toss back to Pringle.