Chesney Hughes hits half century as Derbyshire survive without any lost wickets

Chesney Hughes scored his first fifty in the County Championship for nearly two years as Derbyshire batted through the third morning of the match against Northamptonshire at Derby without losing a wicket.

By Sports Reporter

Published 12th May 2015, 14:10 BST

Chesney Hughes following through a drive during Derbyshire County Cricket Club second innings at 3aaa County ground, Derby on 11 May 2015. Photo: Simon Trafford

Hughes and Ben Slater batted carefully after a couple of short rain breaks to put the home side in a strong position at lunch on 169 for 0 , an overall lead of 188.

Northants used five bowlers but apart from a few edges through the slip cordon, posed few problems as Hughes and Slater shared Derbyshire’s best opening stand of the season.

Hughes reached his first half-century in the Championship since June 2013 from 143 balls to go in at lunch on 85 while Slater completed his third fifty in consecutive games off 160 balls and was unbeaten on 68 at the interval.