Durham 428 & 239 for 2 (Jones 108, Dickson 84) lead Leicestershire 273 (Ackermann 81, Azad 66, Potts 6-58) by 394 runs

Durham were in need of inspiration with the old ball at the start of day three with Azad and Colin Ackermann seemingly entrenched, and Potts responded by bounding in from the Finchale End and hitting the wicket hard to prise out Azad, ending the opener’s stubborn knock after 206 deliveries for 66 and a fine partnership with Ackermann for the third wicket of 112.

Azad was cramped up by the accuracy of Potts, which began a clatter of wickets in the Leicestershire middle order courtesy of the Durham seamer. Louis Kimber lasted only three balls before he played on with a loose drive before Nick Welch was pinned lbw for only two to give the home side an opportunity to ramp up the pressure with the arrival of the new ball. In a five-over burst with the old ball, Potts claimed figures of 3 for 15 to open up the Leicestershire ranks.

Ackermann appeared to have stymied the threat before Ben Raine produced a teasing delivery that found the outside edge for 81. The home side continued to chip away and Potts passed a milestone in his career with the next wicket to fall, securing his 50th first-class wicket by removing Ed Barnes with a Scott Borthwick-David Bedingham double act in the slip cordon.

After a break from the attack, Potts was called back into action to break another Leicestershire stand. With his first ball of his second spell of the day, the 23-year-old removed Harry Swindells to notch his first five-wicket haul in first-class cricket. Potts’ pace and bounce proved to be too much for Will Davis to handle, presenting a simple caught and bowled chance. Liam Trevaskis wrapped up the visitors’ innings, handing Durham a lead of 155 to take into the second innings.

The home side capitalised on the absence Chris Wright and Beuran Hendricks due to injury as openers Jones and Dickson were able to accelerate, reaching a century stand in the 23rd over. Dickson passed fifty for the second time of the match from only 66 balls, although he was given a life after being dropped on 40 by Welch off Ackermann.

Dickson’s attempt to elevate the run rate cost him his wicket 16 shy of a second century of the game. However, Jones succeeded where his team-mate fell, reaching three figures for the first time of his career with a firm strike through the covers before he was out before the close for 108.