An exceptional century from Yorkshire’s Anthony McGrath has helped the Tykes build a small first-innings lead on day two of their LV=County Championship match with Durham.

The former captain hit 17 boundaries during the morning session to finish on 116 not out at lunch.

It means the Tykes reached the interval on 241 for nine – an advantage of 28 runs.

That did not look likely when they resumed on 125 for seven, but McGrath’s heroics mean it has certainly been Yorkshire’s day so far.

He helped add 116 runs on a sunny morning, with only Rich Pyrah, for eight, and Ajmal Shahzad, for a plucky 15, falling to Durham’s attack.

The hope for this afternoon is that Steve Patterson, who is unbeaten on one, can become the latest tail-ender to support McGrath, so that Yorkshire can continue to build what could be a vital lead.