Wayne Madsen hit his 50th first-class half-century for Derbyshire as they built a useful second innings lead on another low-scoring day which was dominated by bowlers at The Fischer County Ground.
Tony Palladino (5-29) completed his five-wicket haul to round off a good performance from the Derbyshire pace attack, which also included three in seven overs from Logan van Beek (3-20) and two for Luis Reece.
Having dismissed hosts Leicestershire for 120, Derbyshire closed Day Two on 160-8 in their second innings, leading by 179 as Madsen top-scored with 51.
Leicestershire started the day 55-4, after Tony Palladino’s three wickets for as many runs on Day One had helped Derbyshire fight back in tough conditions.
A partnership of 32 between Azad (46 not out) and Dearden looked to have provided some stability for the hosts before the latter fell for 22 when he was given out lbw to Reece.
A quick-fire double from Logan van Beek pushed Derbyshire into a commanding position, when he took Hill (1) and Klein (0) in consecutive deliveries.
Palladino claimed his fourth wicket of the innings when he dismissed Wright (4) caught behind by Hosein.
Davis was next to fall, bowled for seven by van Beek, before Palladino completed his five-wicket haul by adding Abbas to his tally, caught by Madsen.
Leicestershire closed on 120, meaning that Derbyshire entered their second innings with a lead of 19.
Reece (20) and Billy Godleman put on 37 for the first wicket as Derbyshire started the build on their first innings lead, before Reece was dismissed when caught behind by Hill off Davis after facing 51 balls.
From there, Madsen entered the fray and, along with Godleman, set about pushing his side’s lead towards three figures.
Godleman fell shortly before that lead became three figures. The captain was caught by Hill off Abbas for a score of 23 from 75 deliveries.
Madsen continued and fired his way to a half-century, which came in 59 balls and included 11 fours before Abbas had him caught by Horton for 51.
Wright claimed the wickets of Tom Lace (21) and Alex Hughes (2), while Klein had Matt Critchley caught behind for no runs shortly before Derbyshire’s lead moved past 150.
Anuj Dal showed some resistance in a 29-run partnership with Harvey Hosein before falling for 5, bowled by Davis.
Hosein (22) fell in the penultimate over of the day when he feathered one behind to Hill off the bowling of Abbas.
van Beek (1*) and Palladino (0*) ensured that no further wickets fell as Derbyshire ended the day 160-8, leading by 179.
The East Midlands Rivalry! Guarantee your tickets today for the big Vitality Blast clash against Notts Outlaws on Friday 26 July. Buy online or call 01332 388 101.
[twentyticket]
