By the close of play on day one Durham had restricted Australia ‘A’ to 111-6 as they looked to chase down the home side’s first innings total.
Durham, captained by Mark Stoneman, won the toss and elected to bat first against Australia ‘A’ at Emirates Durham ICG and went on to post 197.
The home sides three first class debutants Johann Myburgh (34), Rammy Singh (22) and Paul Coughlin (29*) all made important contributions with the bat having been named in the eleven at the toss.
The openers put on 38 before the first wicket fell, that of Singh, who was trapped lbw by Alister McDermott, who also claimed the scalp of Stoneman when he was caught by George Bailey on 25.
Durham were 75-5 in the 24th over after McDermott struck a third time to have Ben Stokes (8) caught by Mitchell Starc as he ran in from the ropes following by Jon Holland striking two overs later when Ian Blackwell was caught behind without scoring.
A 57 run partnership between Myburgh and Michael Richardson (21) proved valuable in the middle order although their dismissals and that of Mark Wood within two overs saw Durham fall to 136-8.
McDermott claimed his fourth wicket of the innings when Michael Klinger caught Mitchell Claydon on 5 bringing Ruel Brathwaite (16) to the crease, who alongside Coughlin, added 46 for the final wicket before he was trapped lbw by Starc.
In the 29 overs of the final session Durham made one breakthrough with Ruel Brathwaite trapping Ed Cowan lbw for just 4.
After a short break due to rain Coughlin picked up his first wicket, trapping Klinger (21) lbw with Australia A 69-2. Just three runs were added to the total before a catch from Muchall in the slips saw Wood claim the scalp of Liam Davis (40) and four deliveries later he caught Peter Forrest (2) off his own bowling .
A third wicket for Wood saw Tom Cooper (3) return to the pavilion after he was caught behind with six overs of the innings remaining and he went on to trap George Bailey lbw with the visitors 94-6.
At the close of play Australia ‘A’ were 111-6, trailing by 86 runs.