FOR the second successive day Durham have had a poor morning, not helped by three interruptions for rain. In 20 overs Lancashire have added 80 for the loss of one wicket and are only eight behind on 332 for six.

Despite the new ball being only four overs old, Durham opened up with Scott Borthwick, hoping he could exploit the footmarks when bowling to two left-handers, Ashwell Prince and Tom Smith.

But he bowled too many full tosses and would not be helped by the damp conditions as he conceded 36 runs in seven overs. He exceeded his record number of overs in an innings, the 38.2 he bowled at Scarborough last year, and has figures of 43-6-129-2.

He missed a sharp return chance when Smith drove a full toss back to him on 17 and the England Lions all-rounder went on to make 44 before he was very well caught low to his right by Calum MacLeod off Chris Rushworth.

Off-spinner Ryan Buckley has been off the field suffering from a virus since bowling two overs before lunch yesterday.

Prince has moved on from his overnight 58 to 83 and Stephen Parry is on seven.

ECB pitch inspector Tony Pigott, who was present yesterday, has apparently declared himself satisfied with the surface. But as it was used for the recent Test and is now in its sixth day Durham will be vulnerable if they concede a first innings deficit approaching 100.