Alex Lees's 132 while opening the innings got Durham off to a flying start. Graham Clark (63) and Emilio Gay (44) also batted well as the team was well placed at 194/2 when Stokes arrived to bat. The southpaw then took over the scoring and gave a hard time to the Sussex bowlers in the end overs. Stokes recorded 60-plus stands with Colin Ackermann (23) and Lees.