[Ska'dForLife-WBA]

Day Four

Morning: On the eve of the equinox, sun and rain were evident in equal measure across the Midlands, and an early run-out of Michael Jones gifted Worcestershire a much-needed breakthrough. But only one further wicket fell, Ben Allison continuing his excellent loan spell as he dismissed Alex Lees LBW for 60 to send Durham in 114-2 at lunch.

Afternoon: Allison again struck to end a lengthy partnership when he bowled David Bedingham for 39 to secure the first bowling point, but again it was Durham's session, and tea was taken on 324-3; the consolation around New Road being that early Yorkshire resilience and rain at Grace Road vastly reduced the need for the Pears to accomplish anything of significance on this lazy Friday.

Evening: And indeed, nothing further was added to the points column for Worcestershire in the shortened final session, though there was time for Kashif Ali to take his maiden first-class wicket as Ollie Robinson attempted to smash him down the ground. At 371-4 the louring clouds let loose on Worcester, and handshakes were sensibly taken between the two counties who will almost certainly meet again in Division One in 2024.

Match DRAWN

The Verdict: The news from Leicester of the weather denying the Foxes a win leaves Worcestershire 22 points clear going into the final week, and it would require not only a total Frank Spencering from the Pears at Headingley, but also a highly unlikely maximum-points win for Leicestershire at Chester-le-Street, for us to miss out on what would be a well-deserved return to top-flight cricket. Roll on Tuesday.