Blackwell saunters on for Durham

Ian Blackwell drives handsomely as he continues his seamless transition to the north-east with a bustling 95

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Ian Blackwell continued his brilliant start for his new county as LV= County Champions Durham began the defence of their title by reaching 303 for seven on the first day against Yorkshire at Chester-le-Street.

The former Derbyshire and Somerset all-rounder followed his century against MCC at Lord’s by making 95 after going in at 82 for four.

He shared a lively sixth-wicket stand of 107 with Phil Mustard, who remained unbeaten on 62 at the close at the Riverside.

There were five catches behind the stumps for Gerard Brophy, two of them excellent diving efforts, but Blackwell ensured that Yorkshire were unable to build on their early inroads.

Under cloudless skies, the second new ball swung more than the first and brought Blackwell’s downfall in its first over.

He shaped to drive Matthew Hoggard and was almost unbalanced as he tried to readjust, only to give Brophy his fifth catch.

The England all-rounder had earlier cut Hoggard for his ninth four to reach 50 off 71 balls, while Mustard was happy to play the supporting role, taking 117 balls to complete his half-century.

Hoggard improved later to take wickets in the first over of his second and third spells, but it was Tim Bresnan who removed both left-handed openers.

Brophy dived a long way to his left to hold a low chance offered by Mark Stoneman.

Hoggard and Bresnan initially bowled too short, feeding Michael Di Venuto’s strength, but when Bresnan pitched one up Stoneman drove at it and was out for two.

Tim Bresnan cut the head off Durham's top order but the champions rallied thereafter

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Di Venuto scored 36 of the first 41 runs but then skied an attempted pull off Bresnan to Hoggard at mid-on.

Durham are giving Gordon Muchall every chance to re-establish himself and included him at the expense of Gareth Breese, who made a century in the title-clinching win at Canterbury last September.

Muchall, batting at number four, found himself at the crease in the 17th over, but luck still refused to go his way as for the fourth time in four innings this season a good ball found the edge of his bat. The delivery from Steve Patterson bounced steeply and Brophy held a straightforward catch.

Hoggard snared captain Will Smith with a good ball straight after lunch, then Brophy dived to his right to hold a one-hander when Dale Benkenstein edged a drive at Deon Kruis.

When two, Mustard edged a dab at Patterson just over first slip, but Blackwell was in full cry by then.

Once Mustard began to middle the ball the partnership flourished.

Yorkshire were relieved to break it and added the wicket of Liam Plunkett, who became Bresnan’s third victim when he fenced wide of off stump and was taken at fourth slip. Callum Thorp resumes tomorrow on 24.