Durham's Ben Stokes hits century to deny Somerset
Last updated on .From the section Cricket
| LV County Championship Division One, Emirates Durham ICG |
| Durham 237 & 489-6 drew with Somerset 610-6 dec |
| Somerset 11pts, Durham 5pts |
| Match scorecard |
Ben Stokes made his second century of the season to help Durham secure a draw with Somerset at Chester-le-Street.
The hosts began the day needing 146 to avoid an innings defeat, but Stokes proved defiant, with 120 off 136 balls.
He shared a fourth-wicket stand of 170 with Dale Benkenstein (66), while Phil Mustard was 43 not out, with Durham on 489-6 when the captains shook hands.
Durham closed the gap on leaders Notts to nine points, with Somerset a further three points behind.
POST-MATCH REACTION
Durham batsman Ben Stokes told BBC Newcastle:
"It was quite difficult to set myself a game plan of how to play but I guess my natural game came into it after a while.
"I was disappointed to get out at the time I did.
"It was brilliant to get a draw out of the game after the strong position Somerset were in."
Somerset captain Marcus Trescothick told BBC Newcastle:
"We're disappointed not to bowl them out but we realise how much hard work we've put in. That's the way it goes.
"We've played positive cricket and we're in the right position to win games so we'll keep doing that.
"I don't think time was an issue. We are missing a front-line spinner at the moment which made it hard work for us."
BBC Newcastle's Martin Emmerson:
"This draw certainly feels like a victory for Durham. Having dominated three days out of four, Somerset's players got a reminder of just what a cruel game County Championship cricket can be.
"A win would have seen them go top. Instead they head back to Taunton having met their match as Durham launched a late and unforeseen rearguard action.
"It needed something special and their final innings 489 was a record for a team batting last. A great fightback, one I couldn't envisage at lunch on day three when they were in a mess."
