Michael Di Venuto appeared to have put Derbyshire in control of the match at Derby with one of his most accomplished innings for the county.

The Tasmanian left-hander batted for 228 minutes to take Derbyshire's lead past 250 after Durham had fought their way back into the game.

After the tail-enders cut Derbyshire's first innings lead to 58, they had the home side in trouble at 35-5 shortly after lunch.

But Di Venuto played with patience and restraint and with Rob Bailey, added 70 in 24 overs to swing the game back towards Derbyshire.

But Bailey drove wildly to mid-on and Graeme Welch was bowled by Ian Hunter to put the game back in the balance again until Karl Krikken made his second crucial batting contribution of the match.

Although he had some luck, he helped put on 87 in 26 overs and the lead had climbed to 263 when Di Venuto was caught down the legside for 86 by Martin Speight, deputising for Andy Pratt who was off the field with sore knees.

Krikken reached his second fifty from 105 balls after spending 26 deliveries on 47 and at the close, Derbyshire were 214-6, 272 in front with every chance of recording their first Championship win since they beat Durham at Derby in August.

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