Yorkshire are set to welcome back four of their six members of England’s West Indies tour squad for the visit of Hampshire to Headingley from tomorrow, led by Adam Lyth who is “hopeful” that this will be his only county appearance before a Test debut against New Zealand at Lord’s later in the month.
Lyth, uncapped by his country, appears to be in line to fill the gap at the top of England’s Test order created by Jonathan Trott’s international retirement.
Lyth said: “I really enjoyed my time with England. Even though I didn’t play in the Test series, I gained a lot from the trip and how you prepare for international cricket.
“I’m hopeful that I will get my chance against New Zealand later this month and finally represent my country.
“I am very confident that I will play, but in the meantime I need to start the season well with Yorkshire and get some runs starting this weekend against Hampshire. It will be a challenge but I relish the pressure.”
Jonny Bairstow, Liam Plunkett and Adil Rashid are the other three players set to boost the champions. Yorkshire chartered a plane to fly Bairstow, Rashid and Tim Bresnan back from England’s Royal London one-day international in Irelandlast night, along with Hampshire’s James Vince.
Vince will captain Hampshire to allow Jimmy Adams to stay at home for the birth of his second child, and the former West Indies bowler Fidel Edwards is set to make his debut having been signed as a non-overseas player.
Hampshire have also included Lewis McManus, a 20-year-old wicketkeeper from Dorset, in their squad as cover for Adam Wheater.
Durham, who host Nottinghamshire at the Emirates Durham ICG, could have a tricky selection decision among their seamers, with Mark Wood available for the first time this season following his return from the Caribbean and despite making his England debut yesterday, and Graham Onions also hoping to be back in contention after missing the defeat by Middlesex at Lord’s.
Chris Rushworth has already taken 21 wickets from their first three matches, so will likely keep his place.
Durham captain Paul Collingwood said: “Bunny (Onions) has had a week off now so he’ll be raring to go again. Chris Rushworth and Johnny Hastings, their confidence levels will be really high, and we’ve got Woody available so it’s going to be a serious bowling attack we have.”
Notts’ Alex Hales is county cricket’s leading run-scorer this season with 510, but Nottinghamshire are still looking for their first win after starting their campaign with three consecutive draws.
They have recalled Andy Carter from his loan spell at Glamorgan and he is set to replace Jake Ball, who was injured in their draw at Hampshire.
Harry Gurney could also return after injury, and Luke Fletcher and Brett Hutton are added to the squad.
The clash at the BrightonandHoveJobs.com County Ground sees second versus first in the early-season table, after Middlesex climbed above Sussex with their second consecutive victory, against Durham at Lord’s, inspired by James Harris’s nine wickets in the second innings.
They will have to replace Tim Murtagh, who suffered a hamstring injury in the first innings that ruled him out of the Ireland team against England in Malahide yesterday, and is expected to be out for around six weeks.
Tom Helm, the highly-rated 21-year-old seamer, is facing a lengthier absence after being diagnosed with a stress fracture in his back.
But Toby Roland-Jones returns to the squad and Middlesex hope that x-rays on Monday will give Dawid Malan the all-clear on the hand injury he suffered in their opening draw against Notts last month.
Sussex welcome back Michael Yardy from illness but Matt Prior remains sidelined through injury, as do seamers James Anyon, Lewis Hatchett and Tymal Mills. Chris Jordan is unavailable following England's tour of the West Indies.
LV= County Championship Division One facts
Yorkshire v Hampshire
The last seven matches between Yorkshire and Hampshire have all been draws.
Since 1987 Hampshire (three) have won more meetings between these teams at Headingley than Yorkshire (two).
Jack Brooks needs two wickets to reach 250 first-class wickets. Steven Patterson needs four to reach this landmark.
Michael Carberry needs 39 runs to reach 12,000 first-class runs.
Danny Briggs has taken five of his 10 wickets bowled this season, more than any other spinner.
Durham v Nottinghamshire
Durham are unbeaten in their last five fixtures against Nottinghamshire (won four, drawn one), despite losing the toss four times in these meetings.
The 12 matches between these teams at Chester-le-Street have produced one draw (Durham seven wins, Nottinghamshire four).
Paul Collingwood needs one wicket to reach 150 first-class wickets, a landmark Scott Borthwick reached last week.
Will Gidman needs four wickets to reach 200 first-class wickets.
Vernon Philander (82.9%) has the highest dot ball percentage this season, minimum 20 overs bowled.
Sussex v Middlesex
The last nine matches between these teams at Hove have produced one draw (Middlesex three wins, Sussex five).
Sussex have won the toss in 10 of their last 13 games against Middlesex.
Middlesex have won two of their three opening games in each of the last three seasons.
James Harris needs 44 runs to reach 2,000 first-class runs. Steven Finn has 399 first-class wickets.
Steve Magoffin has bowled 172 maidens since the start of last season, more than anyone else in Division One.