Borthwick's England hopes boosted by brilliant unbeaten 188

The Sunderland-born star scored his third century of the season to bring Durham right back into contention on the third day of their Specsavers County Championship match against Nottinghamshire at Trent Bridge.

The all-rounder scored 188 not out to help his side avoid the follow on, before going on to amass 447, a deficit of only 87.

He then claimed the only wicket to fall as Notts reached stumps on 104 for one in their second innings.

With doubts expressed over Nick Compton’s place in the England side, Borthwick has been mentioned as a possible replacement.

“Every time I check my twitter account things are popping up but I try not to look too much at that,” said the 26-year-old.

“All I want to do is keep up my performances for Durham and keep putting in the standard of performance.

“If that’s good enough then hopefully if I do get the nod then fine, but if not I’ll keep doing my best.”

Borthwick batted for more than six hours, scoring his runs from 279 balls, with 28 fours and a six, to ensure his side collected maximum batting points yesterday.

“It’s always nice to get three figures to but to kick on and get a big one and put us right back in the game is quite a proud moment,” he added.

“For each of the last three seasons, since I’ve been up the order, I’ve just tried to better myself each year.

“Last year I scored just short of 1,200 runs, so that’s an aim. But right now I think I’m in good form and want to kick on from there.”

Notts struck right at the start of the day’s play as Paul Collingwood departed for 40, edging Gurney to Steven Mullaney at second slip.

Ryan Pringle chipped in with 34 in a stand of 84 and then James Weighell made 22 before being given out lbw.

Support for Borthwick then came from an improbable source. Brydon Carse had left the field on the first day with a foot injury and was not expected to bat. He emerged with Keaton Jennings as his runner and proceeded to hammer a career best of 47 runs from 66 balls, hitting eight fours and a monstrously big six off Samit Patel’s bowling.

Borthwick had brought up his fifth century of 2016 from 158 balls, with 18 fours, adding his third for Durham to the two he scored in the spring for Wellington.

His 150 arrived from 225 deliveries and he then pulled Hutton for his only maximum. Thoughts of reaching the second double hundred of his career were quickly dashed as Chris Rushworth edged behind for two and Graham Onions was bowled for four.

In Notts’ reply, Borthwick took just two deliveries to make inroads when they batted again, trapping Mullaney lbw for 43.