THE fifth shower of the day proved the heaviest and prompted an early tea with Lancashire on 380 for seven, leading by 40 with Ashwell Prince on 98.

Stephen Parry, who at 28 is playing only his eighth first-class game, made a career-best 37 before edging an attempted hook to Phil Mustard off John Hastings.

The wicketkeeper held a good catch above his head, which would be a relief to substitute fielder Paul Coughlin, who dropped Parry at long leg earlier in the over. The swirling wind gave him a legitimate excuse.

Coughlin was on the field for Ryan Buckley, who has been absent since lunchtime yesterday with a stomach bug which has afflicted a few others.

Among them is Scott Borthwick, who was doubled up, apparently vomiting, prior to coming on for his 44th over of the innings.

The score at the 110-over cut-off point for bonus points was 333 for six, meaning Durham gained only two bowling points and trail 6-5 overall.

That won’t matter as long as they avoid defeat, but they will face a serious ordeal against the spinners tomorrow.