Australian opening batsman Michael di Venuto continued his outstanding contribution to Durham's LV County Championship-winning season with an unbeaten 61 on the first day of their fixture against Hampshire at the Rose Bowl.

Di Venuto, scorer of 1,418 runs already this season, was impressive again as Durham made the most of a day truncated by rain.

Only 29 overs were possible and Durham, after winning the toss, ended at 95 for one with Kyle Coetzer the only casualty.

The opening day of title hopefuls Kent's Division Two clash with Leicestershire was abandoned due to rain.

Rain also marred the first day of Middlesex's final LV County Championship Division Two match of the season, against Derbyshire at Uxbridge.

The home side need to win the game to have a chance of avoiding finishing bottom of the Championship for the first time in their 145-year history, while Derbyshire need to win to keep their hopes of promotion alive.

But the rain had the final word on the first day as Derbyshire batted first after winning the toss and made it to 72 for one before rain forced an early lunch.

The only wicket to fall came in the 15th over, when Derbyshire skipper Chris Rogers was caught behind off Tim Murtagh for 25.

Further showers through the afternoon led to play being called off for the day at 4pm.

The match between Essex and Northamptonshire at Chelmsford was totally washed out after persistent rain throughout much of the day.