4/8/01 - Sheri's burst lifts County

The paceman's lethal performance included five wickets in 26 balls for 11 runs to help oust Durham for 260 off 61 overs in reply to the County's 227.

One batsman who managed to escape Sheriyar's clutches, however, was Martin Love who crashed 50 off just 39 balls.

His quick-fire contribution, backed up later by a splendid 64 by Danny Law, was gratefully received by Durham who had lost their first two wickets for only 25.

Jon Lewis was bowled for seven by a full-length delivery from paceman Andy Bichel while James Daley fell victim to a smart slip catch by Vikram Solanki off Sheriyar.

The early dismissals prompted an upturn in Durham's progress thanks to a 62-run stand in 10 overs between Love and Paul Collingwood.

Love was eventually trapped lbw by paceman Stuart Lampitt after he had clubbed one six and nine fours in 58 minutes.

His removal signalled the arrival of Nicky Peng, who had hammered a century in Durham's floodlit Norwich Union League defeat against the County at New Road on Tuesday. But yesterday he fell to a catch behind by Steve Rhodes off Bichel for 22.

It was a wicket that sparked Sheriyar's lethal burst which contained the scalps of Michael Gough, Collingwood, Andrew Pratt, Graeme Bridge and James Brinkley.

Once the procession had stopped, however, Law made sure Durham secured a 33-run first-innings lead by putting on 84 in 13 overs for the last wicket with Nicky Hatch (21no). Law's knock included one six and 11 fours off 81 deliveries.

Earlier the County, resuming on 149-7 off 41.4 overs, were lifted by a last wicket stand of 54 in 12 overs between Lampitt and Sheriyar, enabling Graeme Hick's men to pick up an unexpected bonus point.

Lampitt made 42no while Sheriyar was just one short of equalling his career-best score when he was dismissed for 20. Their defiant double act followed a useful 37 from Bichel.

Former Worcestershire paceman Brinkley ended with 3-58.