Jennings' Double Century Sets Durham a Record Chase

Durham's hopes of securing their first Vitality County Championship victory of the season hang precariously after Lancashire's Keaton Jennings inspired a formidable target of 475 in their second innings.

Jennings, who had already notched a century in the first innings, repeated the feat with a masterful 155, guiding Lancashire to a formidable 353 for 9 declared. His innings, coupled with Ben Stokes' five-wicket haul, set Durham a daunting task of chasing down a county record fourth-innings score.

Durham's pursuit began promisingly, with Alex Lees and Scott Borthwick forging an 83-run opening partnership. However, Tom Aspinwall's double strike in quick succession, dismissing Lees and Colin Ackermann, halted their momentum. Borthwick's dismissal to Nathan Lyon further dented Durham's hopes, leaving them on 134 for 3 at the close of play.

Earlier in the day, Lancashire resumed their second innings cautiously, losing Will Williams early to Ben Raine. Jennings, batting with characteristic patience, reached his half-century off 54 deliveries. Stokes' introduction brought about the wicket of George Bell, but Jennings and Tom Bruce accelerated the scoring rate, adding 82 runs in the second half of the morning session.

Jennings reached his century off Paul Coughlin's final delivery before lunch, becoming only the second batter after Jim Stewart in 1959 to score a hundred in each innings at Blackpool. Bruce's dismissal for 43 brought George Balderson to the crease, who contributed 17 before Stokes had him caught behind.

Stokes eventually dismissed Jennings for 155, with the England captain finishing with impressive figures of 5 for 98. Lancashire declared shortly after, setting Durham an improbable target.

Durham's chase started well, but Aspinwall's intervention has left them with a mountain to climb. David Bedingham remains unbeaten on 31, but Durham still require 341 runs to pull off a remarkable victory.

Tags: #CountyChampionship, #Lancashire, #Durham, #KeatonJennings, #BenStokes