IT was attritional, rather than thrilling, cricket at the 3aaa County Ground as Derbyshire's bowlers plugged away at Hampshire batsmen who were giving nothing away on the opening day of their LV County Championship match.
Hampshire reached 145-3 at tea after being put in to bat by the home side.
The decision at the toss was an easy one, especially after a morning deluge, but, following a half-hour delay while the outfield was mopped up, Hampshire openers Michael Carberry and Jimmy Adams coped with the damp conditions and stiff breeze well.
Derbyshire had to wait until the 18th over for their first wicket, as Adams got an edge down the leg side to a Mark Turner ball and was caught by wicketkeeper Richard Johnson for seven to make it 46-1.
England batsman Carberry, whose unbeaten 100 saw his side to victory at Bristol last week, made a strong start but rode his luck in Turner's next over, as edges fell just short of second and first slips and then gully, but his luck soon ran out.
Tony Palladino, recalled to the line-up in preference to spinner David Wainwright, replaced Turner for a first spell from the city end and, with his first ball, he had Carberry lbw for 45 to make it 57-2.
Bad light and rain caused a stoppage half an hour into the second session and, in the fifth over after the resumption, Tim Groenewald gave Derbyshire a third wicket, with James Vince lbw for 30 to make it 100-3.
But the game settled into an uneventful phase after that until Hampshire made it to tea on 145-3, with Liam Dawson 33 not out and Will Smith 22 not out.
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
