Essex have travelled north to Headingley where they will meet Yorkshire, while defending champions Surrey play Leicestershire at Grace Road.

A blazing June day is not on the cards - the forecast is for cloud and scattered showers - but the sides have other concerns to occupy their time.

Darren Gough was to have played a starring role in Yorkshire's attempt to reach a Lord's final for the first time in 11 years. But a broken finger, sustained during England duties, means the batsmen will be out of the game for several weeks.

England skipper Alec Stewart will be battling for Surrey

However, the side will welcome back Australian batting star Darren Lehmann who missed the championship and Sunday League games against Leicestershire with a disc problem in his back.

Gough's absence will give new confidence to his England team-mate, Essex acting captain Nasser Hussain.

Despite being NatWest Trophy holders, Hussain believes his side are widely viewed as underdogs in the Leeds ground showdown.

"I would have to say that they start as favourites. They're a very good one-day side and we're quite happy going up there as slight underdogs, playing in front of a huge Headingley crowd and getting a bit of stick," said Hussain.

Surrey appear to start their semi in a commanding position, strengthened by the return of their England test stars, Alec Stewart and Mark Butcher. But a question mark hangs over Graham Thorpe who may be forced to sit out the match with a finger injury.

But captain Adam Hollioake has warned against the dangers of complacency, mindful perhaps, of Leicestershire's reputation for upsetting the cricketing order.

The tie will be given added spice by the fact Leicestershire will be led by Chris Lewis, who left Surrey at the end of last season.