Coughlin's century sets Lancashire up for victory in County Championship

Paul Coughlin's ton sets Lancashire a target of 336 to win against Durham in the County Championship.

County Championship: Lancashire's Coughlin scores ton Paul Coughlin, a former Durham player, came back to haunt his old county with a second first-class century, putting Lancashire in a strong position at the Banks Homes Riverside. Coughlin's innings helped his side to a lead of 260-9 declared, setting Durham a target of 336 to win in their County Championship fixture. This came after Lancashire had come into the day with a lead of 75, having bowled Durham out for 295 in the first innings. However, Durham fought back with some quick wickets in the morning, catching George Balderson and Keaton Jennings off the bowling of James Minto and Ben Raine. ## Durham struggles to contain Lancashire's run chase Despite some early breakthroughs, Durham struggled to contain Lancashire's run chase. First-innings centurion Marcus Harris continued his good form, but was caught behind off the bowling of Matthew Potts. Harris was followed by Josh Bohannon, who was bowled by Potts, and Matty Hurst, who edged a delivery to second slip. However, Michael Jones and injury substitute George Bell managed to get Lancashire to lunch without further loss. ## Coughlin and Jones build an imposing lead Coughlin and Jones continued to build an imposing lead for Lancashire, scoring more freely in the afternoon session. Coughlin reached his fifty for the first time in a Lancashire shirt, and Jones followed soon after. Jones hit the first six of the innings down the ground just before tea, and the partnership continued to frustrate the hosts. Callum Parkinson eventually got the breakthrough, catching Jones off a mistimed sweep by Kasey Aldridge, who took a superb one-handed catch. ## Lancashire declare on 260-9, setting 336 target for Durham Coughlin notched up his century and immediately after Lancashire declared on 260-9, setting Durham a target of 336 to win. Durham were due to face eight overs of bowling, but bad light intervened, bringing an early close to play. The target of 336 is a challenging one for Durham, and Lancashire will be looking to build on their first-innings lead. Lancashire's lead ticked over 300 in the evening session, with Coughlin and Tom Bailey preparing to face the second new ball.