DURHAM SECURE COUNTY CHAMPIONSHIP DIVISION ONE PROMOTION

Durham secured promotion back to County Championship Division One at the first attempt, defeating Middlesex by 93 runs on the fourth day at the Riverside. Set a target of 424, Middlesex were bowled out for 330 despite an unbeaten century from Harry Duke. Callum Parkinson took 4-45 and Brydon Carse took 4-116 to seal victory for the hosts, who accumulated 20 points compared to Middlesex's 3 points.

Middlesex began day four on 55-2 with the objective of delaying Durham's promotion. Kasey Aldridge removed Nathan Fernandes early in the day, and Will Rhodes dismissed captain Max Holden at first slip. A 64-run partnership between Ben Geddes and Ryan Higgins offered resistance, but Parkinson broke the stand by dismissing Higgins. Duke's unbeaten 100 represented a maiden first-class century and provided sustained resistance alongside Tom Helm in a ninth-wicket partnership of 79 runs, before Carse claimed the final wicket.

Durham finished their campaign in Division Two with promotion confirmed. The club had been relegated to Division Two and returned to the top flight at the first opportunity. Geddes passed 50 for the third time in the season during Middlesex's second innings.