Derbyshire v Hampshire: Usman Khawaja fifty boosts leaders

Australian Usman Khawaja's unbeaten half-century pushed promotion-chasing Derbyshire towards their first batting bonus-point against Hampshire.

Resuming day two on 50-3, Khawaja (71 not out) put on 88 for the fourth wicket with Tony Palladino (58).

Sean Ervine (2-17) then took two quick wickets to check Derbyshire's progress.

Bad weather brought about an early close with the Division Two leaders 105 behind on 167-5 and 33 runs shy of a batting point.

VIEW FROM THE COMMENTARY BOX

BBC Radio Derby's Dave Jepson:

"Rain washed out any play after lunch with this game evenly poised.

"Palladino hit a particularly fluent 58, including two sixes. Although Dan Redfern then followed cheaply, Khawaja and Ross Whiteley survived to return tomorrow [Thursday].

"Derbyshire really need to bat past Hampshire's first innings 272 to give themselves the best chance of winning this game and, with it, seal promotion."