Preview - Durham v Yorkshire CC2 20th - 23rd May

Will Peng stay?
By Jon Steer
May 19 2005

The top two teams in Division 2 face each other when Durham host Yorkshire tomorrow. Yorkshire looked set for their first defeat of the season last week before pulling off a record run chase to claim victory. They still trail Durham by over 15 points but this match could be crucial.

Both teams will have top players missing as England prepare to take on Banglasdesh in the first test at Lords next week. Durham lose Steve Harmison, while Yorkshire lose Michael Vaughan and Matthew Hoggard.

The loss of Harmy will probably be the only change from the side that beat Lancashire last week, with Mark Davies coming in to fill the gap. Davies missed out last week despite being top of the first class averages. Harmison has been one of the key figures in the season so far but all the bowlers have shown useful performances and the strength of the squad is far better than in previous seasons.

There will be a question mark over Nicky Peng who has yet to make a substantial contribution in a championship match this season, although his impressive knock against Yorkshire on Sunday may save him this time. Gary Pratt will be keen to show that he can do better and is likely to be given a chance sooner rather than later if Peng fails to impress in the long form of the game.

The victory over Yorkshire in the one day game will be a small boost to Durham but everyone knows how different the four day game is. Durham have beaten Yorkshire three times in the last four championship meetings but their last meeting at the Riverside saw Yorkshire win by 320 runs.

The weather looks to be set to be sunny and warm and no doubt captain Mike Hussey will be thinking of his home country as he plays his last match for Durham before flying off to meet the rest of the Australian one day squad in preparation for their England tour. Replacement Nathan Astle will join Durham on Saturday and is likely to figure in the game against Durham UCCE next week.