Cricket

Durham's David Bedingham and Colin Ackermann put on a batting masterclass against Lancashire, guiding their team to a commanding position in their Vitality County Championship match at Chester-le-Street.Bedingham, who has been in scintillating form this season, notched up his third Championship century and surpassed 1,000 first-class runs for the campaign. His unbeaten 177, coupled with Ackermann's 111 not out, propelled Durham to a formidable 367 for 4 at the close of play.The pair's unbroken stand of 268 has already set a new fifth-wicket record for Durham in first-class cricket, eclipsing the previous mark of 254 set by Bedingham and Ned Eckersley against Nottinghamshire in 2021.Lancashire, who were bowled out for 228 in their first innings, struggled to contain Durham's batters. Ben Raine claimed 5 for 44, but the visitors failed to earn a batting bonus point for the third consecutive match.Durham's openers, Ben McKinney and Scott Borthwick, fell cheaply to Anderson Phillip and Tom Bailey, respectively. However, Bedingham and Alex Lees steadied the ship, taking Durham to lunch on 46 for 2.After the break, Bedingham and Ackermann took control of the innings. They weathered two lbw decisions in quick succession, with Lees falling to Phillip for 43 and Ollie Robinson being trapped by Tom Aspinwall for 4.Undeterred, Bedingham reached his 1,000th first-class run of the season and went on to score his sixth Championship century in just 15 innings. Ackermann also reached his century, ensuring that Durham ended the day with a commanding lead of 139 runs.Lancashire's bowlers toiled hard but were unable to make any further breakthroughs. Jennings' decision to post five men in the deep proved ineffective as Bedingham and Ackermann continued to accumulate runs at a steady pace.With the sun shining and the rain holding off, Durham supporters witnessed a batting display that has put their team in a strong position to secure a victory.

South Africa's Test squad for their upcoming tour of the West Indies has been announced, with David Bedingham, Dane Paterson, and Dane Piedt being the only players retained from the makeshift squad that toured New Zealand in February.Bedingham is considered a key figure in South Africa's long-term batting plans, while Paterson, 35, brings experience to the bowling attack in the absence of Anrich Nortje and Marco Jansen. Piedt, 34, provides a second spin option alongside Keshav Maharaj.The rest of the squad was part of South Africa's home series against India earlier this year, with the exception of batter Matthew Breetzke, who earns his first Test call-up. Breetzke is expected to provide batting depth behind a top five likely to include Aiden Markram, Tony de Zorzi, Temba Bavuma, Bedingham, and Tristan Stubbs.Ryan Rickelton returns to the squad after last playing Tests against West Indies in March 2023. He will compete with Kyle Verreynne for the wicketkeeper-batter role at No. 6. Wiaan Mulder is the only seam-bowling allrounder in the squad, with Jansen rested from the tour."The decision to rest Marco Jansen was taken to allow for a conditioning period aimed at ensuring optimal physical and mental well-being given the season-long workloads," said Test coach Shukri Conrad.Kagiso Rabada and Lungi Ngidi will lead the pace attack, with Paterson and left-armer Nandre Burger providing support. South Africa's first-choice Test players have not played since the New Year's Test against India, having missed the New Zealand series and honored SA20 commitments."This tour is extremely important for us as we aim to improve our standing in the ICC World Test Championship," said Conrad. "We have, therefore, selected our strongest possible squad and look forward to strong performances in the Caribbean."Players not involved in the MLC or on the county circuit will attend a four-day training camp in Durban before departing for the West Indies. The first Test takes place in Trinidad from August 7, followed by the second in Guyana a week later.

Durham's Vitality Blast campaign gained further momentum with a resounding 26-run victory over Birmingham Bears, following their triumph over Leicestershire Foxes the previous day.At Edgbaston, Durham amassed an imposing 194 for nine, led by David Bedingham's scintillating 63 from 27 deliveries. The South African opener smashed George Garton for 18 runs in four balls and reached his half-century in just 21 balls. Dan Mousley, who has impressed England selectors with his white-ball performances, claimed two wickets for 23 runs in four overs.Birmingham's chase faltered at 168 all out in 18.4 overs, despite Jake Bethell's maiden T20 half-century (50 from 32 balls). Ben Raine's exceptional bowling (5-21 in 3.4 overs) proved decisive, as he claimed crucial wickets at key moments.Durham's victory keeps the North Division table competitive, with both teams having won two and lost two matches. The Bears, on the other hand, suffered back-to-back defeats.After opting to bat, Durham lost Graham Clark early on, but Bedingham's arrival at the crease sparked a flurry of runs. He and Alex Lees put on a 60-run partnership before Lees departed for eight. Bedingham continued his onslaught, reaching his half-century with a six over mid-wicket.Jake Lintott dismissed Bedingham and Ollie Robinson, but Ashton Turner's 33 (24) helped Durham maintain their momentum. Matty Potts provided a late surge with a six and a four in the final over.Birmingham's reply began promisingly, with Alex Davies and Mousley forming an 80-run partnership. However, Raine's intervention proved pivotal, as he dismissed both batsmen in quick succession. Sam Hain and Chris Benjamin fell cheaply, leaving Bethell to lead the chase.Bethell reached his half-century but was dismissed by Potts, and Hasan Ali followed suit. Raine returned to bowl Jake Lintott and George Garton, completing a comprehensive victory for Durham.

Durham and Somerset engaged in a captivating battle on day one of their Vitality County Championship clash, with both teams showcasing resilience and determination.Somerset, batting first on a grassy pitch, faced an uphill task against Durham's potent bowling attack. Ben Stokes, the England Test captain, led the charge with four wickets, while Peter Siddle claimed three. Migael Pretorius provided some resistance with a half-century, but Somerset were eventually dismissed for 171.Durham's response began disastrously as they lost three wickets for 19 runs. However, David Bedingham and Ollie Robinson steadied the ship with a century partnership. Bedingham, in particular, played with aplomb, reaching his century just before close of play.Bedingham's unbeaten 100, coupled with Robinson's 46, gave Durham a slender six-run lead heading into day two. Somerset, despite their early setbacks, will be buoyed by the late wickets taken by Jake Ball, who replaced the concussed Pretorius.The match is finely poised, with both teams having shown their fighting spirit. Durham will be looking to extend their lead and build a solid foundation for victory, while Somerset will be determined to claw their way back into contention.

Durham's David Bedingham continued his impressive run-scoring form in the Vitality County Championship, notching his second century of the season against Hampshire. Bedingham's 144 helped Durham reach 410 for 8, trailing Hampshire's 503 by 93 runs.Bedingham, who now has 490 runs this season, has emerged as one of Division One's leading run-getters. His average of 81.66 is a testament to his consistent performances.Hampshire's Liam Dawson, who bowled a marathon 62 overs, claimed his 11th five-wicket haul. However, Bedingham's innings ensured that Durham remained in contention.Bedingham forged partnerships with Alex Lees, Matthew Potts, and Graham Clark, who all contributed valuable runs. Bedingham's century came off 193 balls, and he celebrated with a flurry of boundaries off Kyle Abbott.Despite Bedingham's heroics, Hampshire still holds a slender lead. The match is likely to end in a draw unless something extraordinary occurs.Bedingham's performance highlights his growing stature as a batsman. He has now surpassed 1000 first-class runs in two of his three full seasons for Durham. His 14th century for the county is a testament to his consistency and ability to score runs in all formats.The placid nature of the pitch made it easier for Bedingham to accumulate runs. However, he still displayed excellent technique and timing throughout his innings.

Durham's David Bedingham and Scott Borthwick propelled their team to a commanding position in their Vitality County Championship clash against Worcestershire at Chester Road.After dismissing Worcestershire for 184, Durham amassed a formidable 319 for 5, establishing a 379-run lead. Bedingham, who recently made his Test debut for South Africa, continued his impressive form with a blistering 138, while Borthwick contributed a solid 75.Worcestershire resumed their first innings on 78 for 4, with Jake Libby (61) providing the bulk of the resistance. However, Ben Raine and Matthew Potts combined to dismantle the visitors' batting lineup, with Raine claiming 3-40.In Durham's second innings, Bedingham and Borthwick forged a 195-run partnership, dominating the Worcestershire bowlers. Bedingham reached his century off just 79 deliveries, showcasing his aggressive strokeplay.Worcestershire's bowlers struggled to contain the Durham batsmen, with Nathan Smith providing the only breakthrough by dismissing Alex Lees. However, Bedingham and Borthwick continued to pile on the runs, extending Durham's lead to a daunting 379.With only one day remaining in the match, Worcestershire face an uphill battle to avoid their first defeat of the season. Durham, on the other hand, are poised to secure their first victory of the campaign.