HALF-centuries from Ben Slater and Wes Durston helped Derbyshire get off to a satisfactory start to their three-day match against the Indians at the 3aaa County Ground.
Slater was out for 54 shortly after reaching his half-century but Durston was 53 not out at tea in a score of 186-4.
Following the early loss of Paul Borrington, Slater and Chesney Hughes put on 70 before Hughes, named as captain because Wayne Madsen was missing the match with a back problem, was out, bowled by left-arm spinner Ravindra Jadeja in the final over before lunch.
He made 23 and that left Derbyshire 79-2 at lunch.
The Indians, as they did in their last warm-up match at Leicester, signalled the intention to use all 18 members of their squad in the match and they took a first wicket in the sixth over as Borrington pushed at a ball from Pankaj Singh and was caught at second slip by Ajinkya Rahane for nought at 9-1.
Slater, with an opening berth in the Championship side to be won following the retirement of Stephen Moore, moved to his 50 with a cover-driven four off Ishant Sharma but, in the following over, was caught behind off Jadeja for 54.
Alex Hughes was bowled by Ishwar Pandey for one at 115-4 but Durston was quickly into his stride and brought up his 50 off 56 balls with seven fours and a six. Billy Godleman was with him on 27 not out at tea.
