With just six weeks remaining in the 2013 season and the LV=CC Division 1 title up for grabs, Durham host Surrey at Emirates Durham ICG this Thursday-Sunday.
After a disappointing couple of weeks and a loss against Middlesex in their last LVCC match, Durham will be looking to bounce back on their home turf as they continue their fight for this year’s four day title.
There are several changes to the Durham side which played at Lords a fortnight ago with some big names set to miss the Surrey match.
Graham Onions is still recovering from a broken finger sustained in the Yorkshire Bank 40 match in Scotland last week and following advice from a hand surgeon he will miss this week’s fixture, Monday’s Yorkshire Bank 40 match and next week’s LVCC match against Yorkshire at Scarborough.
Durham are also without the services of all-rounder Ben Stokes who is on England Lions duties whilst Calum Thorp (hamstring) and Ryan Buckley are also out of last week’s side.
In the squad come Jamie Harrison, Usman Arshad and Gareth Breese. If selected in the final eleven Harrison will make his first appearance in the County Championships this season after playing three matches in 2012 whilst Arshad will make his First Class debut after a solid season with the Second team.
In some good news for the side, Head Coach Geoff Cook is continuing to recover from a heart attack sustained two months ago and will be involved in a coaching capacity alongside interim coach Jon Lewis for the Surrey match.
The last time the two sides met was in early May with Durham coming away from The Oval with a 5 wicket win. Mark Stoneman will be looking to replicate his form from this match with 77no and 67 whilst Scott Borthwick took career best figures of 6-70 to spin Durham to victory.
The LV=County Championship title is well within Durham’s reach, currently sitting 4th on the points table with six matches remaining. Durham sit behind Yorkshire (158), Sussex (148) and Middlesex (144) with Yorkshire and Middlesex having played one more match than Durham and Sussex two games ahead.
Durham’s opponents Surrey are currently 8th on the championship table with no wins to their name and 8 drawn matches.
The match commences at 11am on Thursday August 22nd at Emirates Durham International Cricket Ground.
Durham vs Surrey, Emirates Durham ICG, Thursday August 22nd-Monday August 25th
Paul Collingwood (c)
Mark Stoneman
Keaton Jennings
Scott Borthwick
Will Smith
Michael Richardson
Phil Mustard+
Mark Wood
Gareth Breese
Chris Rushworth
Jamie Harrison
Usman Arshad