Durham are set to face Middlesex in their second Specsavers County Championship fixture on Sunday.
The Riversiders – who were in an excellent position to win their first match against Somerset before rain ended play at the close of Day Two – will be hoping to grab their first win of the season.
Their opponents are undefeated in their last three away games against Durham and despite drawing their season opener with Warwickshire, opening batsman Sam Robson recorded the highest ever first-class match aggregate for Middlesex (337).
The new toss rule that offers the visiting captain the option of bowling first will give Middlesex captain Adam Voges a dilemma as the away side often favour a bowl at the Emirates Riverside but the last three times these counties have played each other; it has been the side batting first that have gone onto win.
“We played some really good cricket for two days against Somerset, it was frustrating that we couldn’t kick on but we never got the opportunity to see if we could get a win due to the conditions,” said head coach Jon Lewis.
“It feels like a long time ago when we last played after having the extended break. We have had three days of good practise this week and the weather has been a bit kinder.
“Middlesex will be a stiff challenge, they have started pretty well. They played this week and their batsman got some good runs – they will come here feeling pretty confident.
“Sam Robson has found some form early on but he has to start again when he gets here. It’s a different proposition for him coming to the Emirates Riverside, so we will see how he fairs. Keaton Jennings put on a similar showing for us against Somerset and it was frustrating his brilliant performance wasn’t further rewarded.
“Middlesex beat us twice last year but it’s not hugely relevant, we will be equally confident after two good days against Somerset”.
Durham will be without their England international pace bowler Mark Wood who has undergone surgery on his left ankle. He will now undertake a period of rehabilitation and begin a back to bowling programme before returning to competitive cricket later this summer.
“He had the operation yesterday,” Lewis added.
“It’s not ideal for him. It’s very tough, frustrating and disheartening and will be difficult for him to deal with.
“Woody has managed to stay positive but he will be out for a period of time, it’s still unclear on how long he will be out but he won’t be playing cricket this month.
“We will have to wait and see how he recovers, any sort of foot injury with a fast bowler always takes time and you need to make sure they’re fully fit when they come back.
“He’ll do everything to make sure he gets back playing again soon”.
Durham Squad
Stoneman
Jennings
Borthwick
Collingwood (Capt)
Richardson (WK)
Stokes
Burnham
Muchall
Pringle
Arshad
Carse
Rushworth
Onions
Middlesex Squad
Robson
Gubbins
Compton
Malan
Voges (capt)
Simpson (WK)
Franklin
Harris
Roland-Jones
Murtagh
Finn