Harvey Hosein hit a battling 78 and Luis Reece claimed two wickets as Derbyshire fought back on the opening day of the Specsavers County Championship season at The Pattonair County Ground.
The 22-year-old wicketkeeper-batsman batted for much of the afternoon, after Derbyshire earlier lost four quick wickets, to guide his side to 197 all out.
A late trio of wickets completed a good fightback from the hosts, who head into Day Two with Durham three down, trailing by 156 runs.
Derbyshire won the toss and electing to bat first, with Alex Lees’ reluctance to exercise Durham’s right to bowl first a sign that both sides wanted to get runs on the board.
Two wickets in Chris Rushworth’s first over would change the Durham captain’s view as Derbyshire lost Reece and Wayne Madsen, both without scoring.
Billy Godleman looked to see off the experienced Rushworth in swinging conditions, but he could only make 19 before he was out to Ben Raine from the Racecourse End, caught at first slip by Lees.
Things worsened for the home side as Tom Lace fell to Raine for eight and Alex Hughes was out for 16, before Hosein and Matt Critchley stabilised the innings for Derbyshire.
The young pair added 56 for the fifth wicket during the second session, while Anuj Dal (17) joined Hosein at the loss of Critchley to add a further 50 to the total.
Hosein’s measured knock proved to be the backbone of the Derbyshire innings and he chipped away at the bowling, passing 50 from 106 balls as Logan van Beek (8) became Raine’s third wicket.
Tony Palladino was yorked and out without scoring and Hosein was the last man out trying to chase a quick single, run out for a well-made 78 as Derbyshire fell just short of 200.
Durham had 21 overs left to face in the day and the Derbyshire attack were buoyed by early swing and seam movement, Rampaul regularly beating the bat in the opening overs.
Gareth Harte drove well down the ground, but Reece – in at first change – nipped one back and found the edge to Hughes who took a diving catch low to his right.
The left-armer soon had his and Derbyshire’s second as Will Smith was struck in front and lbw for four, bringing Michael Richardson to the crease.
Back in the game and visibly spirited by the fightback since the morning session, Derbyshire chased a third wicket, which was delivered by Logan van Beek on his full club debut.
A quick, short delivery hurried Richardson and he could only sky his pull to the grateful Lace who held on to leave Durham 41-3 at the close, trailing by 156 on an even opening day in Derby.
Vitality Blast is back! Derbyshire Falcons host seven Twenty20 games this summer. Purchase your tickets in advance and save. Buy online or call 01332 388 101.
[twentyticket]
