Ben Raine’s Resilient 81 Puts Durham in Command Against Warwickshire

A gritty and counterattacking knock of 81 by Ben Raine swung momentum firmly back in Durham’s favour on Day 3 of their County Championship clash against Warwickshire at the Riverside Ground. After a fiery four-wicket burst from Michael Booth had left the hosts wobbling, Raine's 20th first-class half-century lifted Durham to 276 for 8 declared, setting Warwickshire a challenging target of 339.

By stumps, Warwickshire had moved to 12 without loss, still needing 327 on the final day with all ten wickets intact.

Booth’s Blitz Shakes Durham

The day began with Warwickshire resuming on 287 for 8 in their first innings. Michael Booth, who had impressed with the ball earlier in the match, frustrated Durham with the bat as well. Alongside Ethan Bamber, the pair pushed the total past 300 before Durham eventually wrapped things up for 325 — a 62-run deficit. Matthew Potts and George Drissell took the final two wickets, but not before Warwickshire had secured a valuable second batting bonus point.

Durham’s second innings got off to a steady start with Alex Lees and first-innings centurion Ben McKinney. However, Booth quickly turned the tide, removing Lees for 32 and Emilio Gay for a duck in quick succession. Just after lunch, Booth delivered a double strike — cleaning up Colin Ackermann and having Ollie Robinson caught at slip — to leave Durham reeling.

Raine and Bedingham Rebuild

With Durham in trouble, Raine counterpunched aggressively. Supported by McKinney and later David Bedingham, Raine took on the Warwickshire bowlers, pulling and driving with confidence. His positive intent kept the scoreboard moving, even as wickets fell around him.

McKinney was eventually dismissed for 33, edging behind off Ed Barnard, and Bedingham joined Raine at the crease with Ackermann running for him due to a toe injury. Despite the setback, Bedingham added a crucial 45, striking multiple boundaries and showing little sign of discomfort.

Raine brought up his fifty in 88 balls and unleashed some inventive strokeplay, including a ramp for four. He was eventually dismissed for 81, trapped LBW by Rob Yates while attempting a sweep, but not before helping Durham stretch the lead past 300.

Late Flourish and Declaration

Late hitting from Potts and Daniel Hogg, including a couple of sixes, helped push Durham’s total to 276 for 8 before captain Alex Lees declared with four overs remaining in the day.

Warwickshire openers Yates and Alex Davies survived a tricky mini-session under fading light, closing on 12 for 0, with a daunting 327-run chase awaiting them on the final day.

Match Summary:

Durham 387 & 276/8 dec (Raine 81, Booth 4-66)
lead
Warwickshire 325 & 12/0
by 327 runs