SAM Hain received good assistance from the tail as he ground relentlessly on to his second century in seven first-class matches as Warwickshire totalled 472.

Hain, unbeaten on 109, was on 82 when he was joined by last man Boyd Rankin, the only member of the Warwickshire team who would not be considered a proficient batsman.

But there has been plenty of recent evidence that even No 11s can bat and the big Irishman hung around until Hain had reached his hundred off 188 balls.

He got there with an upper cut for his 12th four off Graham Onions, then hooked to long leg, where Gordon Muchall held the catch high over his head but was over the rope.

In the next over Rankin was adjudged lbw to Scott Borthwick, who finished with three for 70, his best championship analysis since taking six for 70 at the Oval in May last year.

John Hastings took five for 94 and the only other seamer to pick up a wicket was Graham Onions with one for 121.

His victim was Jeetan Patel, who confidently stroked 32 off 26 balls before edging a cut to Phil Mustard.

Borthwick’s other victim during the afternoon was Keith Barker, who made 15 before offering a return catch. Although the leg-spinner got through 16.1 overs, Durham’s over-rate still read minus two.

The start of their reply was delayed by bad light.