Weather ensures draw between Durham and Warwickshire

County Championship Division One, Emirates Durham
Durham 277 & 147-7 drew with Warwickshire 197
Durham 8pts, Warwicks 6pts
Match scorecard

Division One leaders Warwickshire were denied the chance of a fifth win of the season as rain prevented any play on the final day against Durham.

They had hauled themselves back into the game by reducing Durham to 147-7 after trailing by 80 on first innings.

But any hopes of polishing off the Durham tail and embarking on a run-chase were dashed by the weather.

The match was abandoned as a draw in early afternoon, with Durham taking eight points and Warwickshire only six.

Durham are still without a win and remain bottom of the table but can take comfort from the performances of younsgters Chris Rushworth and Jamie Harrison.

Rushworth claimed five wickets in an innings for the first time as Warwickshire were bowled out for 197, while nightwatchman Harrison hung on for 75 minutes to make 23 on the third morning.

VIEW FROM THE DRESSING ROOM

Durham captain Phil Mustard told BBC Newcastle:

"The weather isn't helping us at the moment. We had the chance of bowling them out, having put ourselves in a good position after the first two days.

"Paul Collingwood has a nasty lump on his hand but he would have batted today and done his bit for the team. As things were, a lead of 227 already looked decent on a wicket that was up and down but, if we'd batted on, 250 would have been ideal.

"It's a pity the T20 is coming now because we have started to get some momentum going. But I just hope we get some good weather in the next three weeks because we'll get some decent crowds."

Durham director of cricket Geoff Cook:

"Jamie Harrison has a lot of character and he has enjoyed the opportunity to play at this level.

"There were questions about his batting 12 months ago but he has gone away and worked hard at it.

"He has some bravery and he has a defence now. He is also starting to put one or two shots together."

VIEW FROM THE COMMENTARY BOX

BBC Newcastle's Martin Emmerson:

"Durham have lost the equivalent of 15 days now to the weather, or 1,440 overs. It's safe to say I have not known a season like this one for rain.

"An Ian Bell century ended up being the difference between the two sides in early May, but Durham have a good record against Warwickshire. They've beaten them nine times and only lost one of the last 11.

"Unfortunately now half the season has gone the league table still shows Durham rooted to the bottom without a win and relegation remains a real threat."