YORKSHIRE laid a solid platform for their victory chase with an opening stand of 112, only for Barry McCarthy to strike twice in two balls.

In an excellent spell, which might have brought more reward, he had Adam Lyth caught at slip by substitute Ben Stokes then nipped one sharply back to have Kane Williamson lbw.

The Irish seamer thought he had a hat-trick, but Gary Ballance survived huge appeals for a leg-side catch by wicketkeeper Michael Richardson and scored 17 off the next six balls he faced.

One of his fours flew through where third slip should have been for a new batsman as five tight overs by Usman Arshad were followed by one which cost 15.

Durham recalled Graham Onions, who in two spells conceded only 20 in 11 overs and he also had Ballance caught behind for 32. An excellent ball from round the wicket pitched on off stump and seamed away to take the edge.

At tea the visitors were 155 for three, needing a further 202 off 37 overs. Alex Lees was still there on 67, but after reaching 50 off 76 balls he was becalmed on 60 for 13 balls, during which he survived a very confident lbw appeal from McCarthy.

Replays suggested Lyth's dismissal was fair, although he seemed to think he had played the ball into the ground before it flew to Stokes at just above head height.