With the weather once again preventing any play until mid—afternoon a draw looks the most likely outcome unless either Notts or Durham can force the initiative on the third day.

A well—judged catch at long on by Paul Franks, off the bowling of Greg Smith, prevented Paul Collingwood from reaching his second century of the season and ended the Durham first innings on 284.

In response Notts lost the wicket of Guy Welton but Darren Bicknell and Greg Blewett played with great assurance to end the day on 38—1 from 15 overs.

Earlier Paul Collingwood's 95 had frustrated Notts who had harboured hopes of dismissing the visitors cheaply after reducing them to 148—5 on the first day.

Richard Logan was again expensive, on his county debut, but did manage to pick up 4—69 from his 16 overs, Durham had reached tea at 234—7 and some lusty blows by Danny Law, who made 22, threatened to take the total beyond 300 but the home side fought back to pick up maximum bowling points.

When Notts batted they lost Guy Welton for nought in the second over, fencing at a leg side delivery from Neil Killeen. Blewett, who replaced him at the crease, began in confident fashion with a couple of well—executed cover drives off James Brinkley.

Bicknell, who saw less of the strike, played watchfully although Killeen did manage to beat the bat three times in one over just before the close.

On a good batting wicket the Notts skipper and his new Australian teammate have the platform to build a large total on the third day, if the rain stays away!

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