Division Two
Derbyshire v Kent
This game was switched to Queen’s Park to allow Derbyshire to host a Boyzone concert at the 3aaa County Ground at the weekend.
Gary Wilson takes over the captaincy from Billy Godleman, who had his hand broken by an accidental beamer at Hove, and Imran Tahir returns after playing for the World XI in Pakistan.
Kent’s promotion hopes were ended by a draw against Gloucestershire in Bristol, and they have responded by resting senior seamers Adam Milne, Matt Coles and Mitch Claydon – which could mean a debut for Grant Stewart, a fast-bowling all-rounder from Sandwich Town CC.
Durham v Sussex
Paul Collingwood returns to lead Durham after a memorable experience with the World XI in Lahore, but Mark Wood is missing after suffering further heel problems in the draw against Kent two weeks ago – although he hopes to return in the last game of the season at Worcestershire next week.
Chris Jordan returns for Sussex on the ground where he played for England in Saturday night’s T20 international, but any lingering promotion hopes were ended by a home defeat by Derbyshire without him last week – and they have travelled north without a quartet of senior players including Ben Brown, who has a bad back. Luke Wells takes over as captain, and Michael Burgess as wicketkeeper.
Glamorgan v Gloucestershire
Benny Howell will make his first Championship appearance for more than a year for Gloucestershire as a batting all-rounder. Cameron Bancroft has returned to Australia after carrying his bat for a double century in last week’s draw against Kent, and Gareth Roderick is out with a broken finger.
Gloucestershire are aiming to complete a double after a rapid victory during the Cheltenham Festival in July, when 25 wickets fell on the first day.
Northamptonshire v Nottinghamshire
Notts lost top spot to Worcestershire last week, but have the chance to regain the initiative in the battle for the title – and in the process secure promotion both for themselves and Worcestershire.
A draw would be enough for Notts to go up. Northants need at least a draw to keep their hopes high.
Notts have lost Alex Hales and Jake Ball to England’s one-day squad, while Brendan Taylor has returned to Zimbabwe, so they will be forced to make at least three changes to the team beaten by Worcestershire at Trent Bridge two weeks ago.