AS DURHAM slid to a 228-run defeat at Headingley they had reason to be grateful to their brief team-mate Kumar Sangakkara for keeping Hampshire at bay.

The Sri Lankan master helped Surrey towards a draw with only two wickets down in mid-afternnon against the second bottom club, who remain 11 points behind Durham.

If Durham gain a good haul of bonus points from a draw at home to Surrey next week they will be as good as safe going into the last match at the Ageas Bowl.

Ryan Pringle provided some resistance, reaching his first 50 of the season with a hooked six off Tim Bresnan and remaining unbeaten on 57 from 66 balls.

Michael Richardson also enjoyed one of his better knocks this season, reaching 33 before he chased a wide one and edged behind to leave Ryan Sidebottom with four for 34.

Barry McCarthy offered catching practice to Adam Lyth at second slip to give Bresnan a wicket and Durham were all out for 192 when Jack Brooks splattered Chris Rushworth's stumps.

Middlesex were also closing in on victory at Trent Bridge and will remain a point ahead of Yorkshire.