Gough prepares for Essex debut

Frizzell County Championship Division One

Lancashire v Worcestershire at Old Trafford

Following his return from the Caribbean, James Anderson has been named in a 14-man Lancashire squad, which also includes a proud new father, Peter Martin, who missed this week's stalemate against Middlesex. For Worcestershire, Gareth Batty is back in the reckoning, along with Andy Bichel, who takes over from Mark Harrity. All eyes, however, will be on Graeme Hick, after his blistering double-century against the New Zealanders.

Gloucestershire v Northamptonshire at Bristol

Gloucestershire will be hoping the rains do not follow them westwards after the final three days of their match against Kent this week were completely washed out. Matt Windows may return to their eleven after missing that game with a groin strain, while Shabbir Ahmed makes his home debut. Northants have named an unchanged side, after pushing Sussex to the brink on Monday.

Warwickshire v Surrey at Edgbaston

Surrey desperately need a boost after a beleaguered start to the season, so they will be expecting big things from Mark Butcher and Graham Thorpe, England's batting heroes of the Caribbean tour. Mind you, those two didn't manage a run between them, when these two teams met in the National League on Saturday, and nor did Rikki Clarke, who is also expected to play. Alex Tudor will play for the 2nd XI, as he continues his rehabiliation from a back injury.

Frizzell County Championship Division Two

Glamorgan v Essex at Cardiff

Darren Gough will make his eagerly-anticipated debut for Essex, as they travel to Cardiff to play Glamorgan. Ronnie Irani and Paul Grayson are both still recovering from knee injuries, so Andy Flower will continue to stand in as captain. Glamorgan are expected to field an unchanged side, although Dean Cosker has been added to the squad.

Leicestershire v Nottinghamshire at Grace Road

Leicestershire's offspinner Jeremy Snape will start his first Championship match of the year, and will bat at No. 6 in place of the out-of-form Darren Stevens. Mark Cleary has a slight back problem and needs a late fitness test before making his debut. For Nottinghamshire, Chris Read is back from England duty and takes over from David Alleyne behind the stumps.

Somerset v Durham at Taunton

Shoaib Akhtar will be looking to start afresh after a month of controversy, as he and Paul Collingwood make their first appearances of the season for Durham. Graeme Onions and Liam Plunkett are out of the squad with leg injuries, although Durham's problems are nothing like as chronic as Somerset's. Their captain, Michael Burns, has a hamstring injury; John Francis has concussion; Ian Blackwell has a back problem, and Aaron Laraman a side strain.

Yorkshire v Hampshire at Headingley

High-flying Hampshire must face up to the temporary absence of their inspirational captain, Shane Warne. He is on international duty, so Will Kendall takes charge with Billy Taylor stepping up to the squad. Matthew Hoggard is back in action for Yorkshire, but Darren Lehmann is also preparing for Zimbabwe. Phil Jaques, however, has been signed as an 11th hour replacement. Michael Clarke remains available to Hampshire until the one-day series begins.

Other matches

Cambridge UCCE v Middlesex at Fenner's

Sussex v Loughborough UCCE at Hove