Lewis replaces Noffke at Durham

Mick Lewis, who played two County Championship matches earlier in the season, has stepped in for the injured Ashley Noffke as one of Durham's overseas players. Noffke hurt his lower back in the match against Derbyshire last week and the early indications were that he would be out for three weeks.

However, there have been suggestions the problem could be serious enough to rule him out of the early stages of Queensland's season. David Harker, the Durham chief executive, said they hadn't given up hope of getting Noffke back to continue their impressive run in the four-day competition. "Ashley is certainly keen to return to the squad as soon as possible," he said.

Picked to play against Somerset this week, Lewis is a ready-made replacement after taking 14 wickets in his two appearances when chosen as early-season cover for Noffke, who was again injured. Durham, whose other overseas player is Mike Hussey, currently lead the competition and are 12 points ahead of Lancashire.