DURHAM tightened up after lunch but Adam Lyth and Alex Lees responded tenaciously as they took the score to 231 for no wicket at tea.

They added 86 in the session, compared with 145 in the morning, the only chance coming when Phil Mustard dropped Lees on 91 off Paul Coughlin.

Nothing would go Durham’s way as earlier in the same over Lyth, on 95, had edged a four just wide of Paul Collingwood at slip. The next ball was turned to mid-wicket for the single which took Lyth to his second century of the season against Durham off 183 balls.

He had a lucky escape on 71 when he skied a pull off John Hastings and it fell short of Keaton Jennings, running in from deep square leg.

Chris Rushworth bowled an excellent spell after lunch, beating Lees several times as only 13 runs came off the first ten overs.

Lyth was on 107 at tea with Lees on 96.