DURHAM reached 70 for two from 31 overs on a sunny opening morning of their first LV County Championship match of the season at Northampton.
Keaton Jennings stood firm throughout to remain unbeaten on 30 following the early loss of Mark Stoneman, who shouldered arms and saw his bails trimmed by a ball from Muhammad Azharullah after making two.
Scott Borthwick opened up confidently, hitting Azharullah for two lovely fours off the front foot through the off side.
But he fell for 20 when former South Africa Test all-rounder Andrew Hall went round the wicket and skidded one through to pin him lbw.
That made it 40 for two after Paul Collingwood had elected to bat, but Michael Richardson had few problems in reaching 13 at lunch.
It took Jennings until the 26th over to get to 20 when he hooked Azharullah for four.
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