Durham seamer Chris Rushworth overtakes Graham Onions as county's all-time leading wicket-taker in first-class cricket; Worcestershire's Jack Haynes the milestone wicket as he edges Rushworth to slip at Emirates Riverside during 258-run victory for the home side
Sunday 16 May 2021 19:10, UK
Chris Rushworth has become Durham's all-time leading wicket-taker in first-class cricket after taking his 528th scalp during a 258-run win over Worcestershire in the LV= Insurance County Championship.
The seam bowler had Worcestershire's Jack Haynes caught low at slip by David Bedingham at Emirates Riverside on Sunday to overtake Graham Onions' previous record of 527 red-ball wickets for the county.
The 34-year-old was visibly emotional after taking his milestone wicket - but went on to add three more, taking his career tally to 531, as Durham dismissed Worcestershire for 164 on the final day at Chester-le-Street.
Rushworth followed his first-innings 5-56 - the 28th five-wicket haul of his career - with 4-52 second time around, following his dismissal of Haynes by removing Riki Wessels (0), Ben Cox (11) and Joe Leach (5).
The Sunderland-born bowler, who made his Durham debut against Yorkshire at Headingley in April 2010, picked up 54 wickets for his side when they claimed the most recent of their three Championship titles in 2013.
Rushworth said: "I could not be any prouder, especially with my dad in the car park as well. I was very emotional, I don't think I've ever been as emotional as that on a cricket pitch.
"I've played in Lords' finals and a Championship win, but that tops the lot. It has been on my mind and you could probably tell with the spells on Saturday night and Sunday morning.
"Other milestones have not entered my mind before, but because this one was so big and it has been close for a while, it was getting to me.
"To get it done, I can get back to bowling without worrying and winning more games for Durham."
Rushworth was well supported by England paceman Mark Wood (3-47) on the final day against Worcestershire.
Wood accounted for Pears' top-scorer Daryl Mitchell (62 off 72 balls) with a fiery short ball shortly after blasting him on the glove, while he also dismissed Jake Libby (36 off 117) and Brett D'Oliveira (7).
Mitchell and Libby had put on 79 for Worcestershire's opening wicket but once that stand was snapped, Durham took charge, with Haynes (24) the only other visiting batsman, bar the openers, to pass 12.
Durham, like Nottinghamshire, are three points Group 1 leaders Essex with a game in hand - Essex have 76 points from six games after their innings win over Derbyshire, while Durham and Notts have 73 from five matches.
Worcestershire, meanwhile, are fourth in Group 1 on 70 points, with their first defeat of the season following five draws to begin the campaign.
