By Jon Steer
July 8 2005

Jon Lewis, Nathan Astle and Mark Davies all return the the squad to face Lancashire at the Riverside as Championship cricket makes its return. Lancashire who will be looking for revenge following Durham's comprehensive win at Old Trafford are without star spinner Muralitheran. Nathan Astle has been passed fit to play after being rested for part of the Twenty 20 campaign with split webbing on his hand. Ashley Noffke and Mark Davies were rested for the whole of the Twenty20 campaign so should be fresh and keen to get back to first team action.

Gary Scott has been included in the 12 man squad but looks unlikely to play any part with the rest of the team looking like Durham's first choice eleven:

Jon Lewis
Nicky Peng
Gordon Muchall
Nathan Astle
Dale Benkenstein
Gareth Breese
Phil Mustard
Ashley Noffke
Liam Plunkett
Mark Davies
Neil Killeen
Gary Scott

Durham are currently top of the second division and a good result against Lancashire will put them in a great position with Hussey and Collingwood due to return from international duties next week.