Championship preview

Warwickshire have a game in hand on Surrey

Warwickshire v Surrey

Victory at Edgbaston could see the leaders, who have a 45-point advantage at the top of the Division One table, clinch their third title in four years.

South African captain Shaun Pollock returns to Championship action as Warwickshire try to close the gap on the table-topping visitors.

Pollock replaces New Zealander Shane Bond and they also welcome back England's Ashley Giles, but Dominic Ostler and Neil Carter (shoulder injuries) are doubtful.

Surrey recall Mark Butcher and Alex Tudor and victory for them would make a third title in four seasons all but certain.

"We need to play the same sort of cricket as Surrey and make it a war of attrition," said Warwickshire coach Bob Woolmer.

Hampshire v Yorkshire

England batsman John Crawley returns to the Hampshire side at the expense of Lawrence Prittipaul but left-arm seamer Alan Mullally's side strain keeps him on the sidelines.

Bottom club Yorkshire will look to build on their Roses success over Lancashire, their first Championship win of the summer, and will look to Aussie signing Matthew Elliott to inspire their batting line-up.

Lancashire v Somerset

Trescothick has travelled north with Somerset

Home skipper Warren Hegg hopes to return after recovering from the dislocated little finger he suffered during the recent Roses match against Yorkshire.

Somerset's hopes of victory will be greatly enhanced if opener Marcus Trescothick is passed fit following a cracked thumb. He had a net session on Saturday and could replace Peter Trego.

Leicestershire v Sussex

Leicestershire skipper Vince Wells missed the draw with Kent because of a groin strain and could be absent again, but Indian seam bowler Javagal Srinath makes his home Championship debut.

Michael Yardy is the only injury doubt for the visitors who will be looking for greater resolve from their batsmen following last week's defeat by Lancashire.

DIVISION TWO

Worcestershire v Middlesex

Middlesex coach John Emburey wants to halt their slide

Worcestershire were in dominant form in their last Championship outing against Derbyshire and aim to move into the promotion places by defeating the leaders at New Road.

But they must manage without paceman Matt Mason, who has a hand injury and is replaced by Chris Liptrot.

Middlesex have looked shaky of late, with defeats in their last two four-day games, and they recall seam bowler Simon Cook in place of Aaron Laraman.

Durham v Northamptonshire

Durham have little to smile about this summer but were in the match until the final day against Essex last week and will be looking for similar effort from their young side. Skipper Jon Lewis (groin) faces a pre-match fitness check.

Northants were delighted by opener Rob White's two half centuries against Glamorgan and the 22-year-old will have another chance to shine as they seek their fourth victory of the season.

Glamorgan v Nottinghamshire

Glamorgan batsman Michael Powell has been dropped from the side for disciplinary reasons, with David Hemp taking over against resurgent Notts.

The visitors have won five of their last six games but will have to manage without batsman Paul Johnson, who has a hamstring injury. All-rounder Paul Franks is available, however, following a groin strain.