Abbott keeps Derbyshire in range

Hampshire 328 and 20 for 0 trail Derbyshire 399 (Moore 128, Chanderpaul 82, Groenewald 56*, Abbott 4-84) by 51 runs
Scorecard

South Africa international Kyle Abbott picked up 4 for 84 as Hampshire frustrated Derbyshire's attempts to build a sizeable first innings advantage on day three in Derby.

The hosts had hoped to establish a commanding position as they resumed following a morning wash-out at 203 for 2, in response to Hampshire's first innings of 328. But Abbott used the second new ball to excellent effect as Derbyshire slumped from 273 for 2 to 312 for 7 before a timely unbeaten 56 from Tim Groenewald helped the hosts build a lead of 71.

Early signs had been better for Derbyshire once play finally got underway, with Stephen Moore adding a further 22 to his overnight total before falling to a Sean Ervine catch off Abbott on 128.

Overnight partner Shivarine Chanderpaul departed three overs later, caught by Ervine off James Tomlinson for 82, and Abbott went on to add the wickets of Richard Johnson, Wes Durston and Tony Palladino.

But Groenewald, who slapped a rapid half-century against Essex in defeat last week, continued his good form with the bat to swing the momentum back the visitors' way. Groenewald finally ran out of partners when Mark Footitt fell lbw to Liam Dawson for no score, giving the hosts a useful, rather than formidable, first-innings advantage.

Hampshire responded by making a solid start to their second innings, Michael Carberry and Jimmy Adams making it to the close unbeaten as the visitors finished the day on 20 for no wicket, a deficit of 51 runs.