Darren Lehmann smashed 261, his highest score for Yorkshire in his farewell match, the Tykes amassing 473-3 on day one against relegation rivals Durham.

With only half a point separating the sides, Lehmann's innings was vital, and he reached his double century with a six off left-arm spinner Paul Wiseman.

He shared 131 in 23 overs with Anthony McGrath, who hit four successive fours off Gary Scott in his 62.

Michael Lumb added a calm 81 as Lehmann dominated an unbroken stand of 299.

Craig White won the toss and chose to bat on a slow pitch, with Joe Sayers edging to second slip for five.

With the score on 43 White was run out in the most unfortunate fashion at the non-striker's end when a McGrath straight drive crashed back into the stumps off bowler Neil Killeen's hand.

McGrath hit 12 boundaries before pulling Graham Onions into his stumps, but Lehmann raced to his 26th century for Yorkshire in only 129 minutes.

Gareth Breese was despatched for four successive fours by Lehmann, who recorded the 300 by sending Ottis Gibson sailing away for six.

Lehmann eclipsed the 252 he made against Lancashire in 2001 and if he scores 39 or more on day two he will become only the fifth Yorkshire batman to hit a triple century.

"It must rank as one of the best innings ever played for Yorkshire, I was absolutely enthralled by it," Yorkshire director of cricket David Byas enthused.