Nightwatchman Luke Fletcher batted through the morning session to frustrate Durham and claim only the fourth half-century of his career on day two at the Emirates Riverside.

The 28-year-old seamer, who came in at No 6 late on the first day, reached an unbeaten 51 from 94 balls to steer the visitors from their overnight 96 for four to 193 for seven in reply to Durham’s 162.

Samit Patel fell in Chris Rushworth’s first over of the day after adding only two to his overnight 43, edging to Paul Collingwood at first slip, and Mark Wood claimed his second wicket when he had Riki Wessels lbw.

Chris Read was bowled by Paul Coughlin, but Fletcher held firm and has found handy support from James Pattinson in an unbroken eighth-wicket stand of 37.