Mushtaq boost for Sussex

Mushtaq Ahmed returns for Sussex following a knee operation © Getty Images

Buy this photo

Sussex welcome back Mushtaq Ahmed from injury for the LV County Championship Division One clash with Nottinghamshire at Trent Bridge.

The Pakistani leg-spinner, who took 90 wickets last season, has not played since the end of April after undergoing keyhole surgery on a knee.

He is included in a 13-man squad at the expense of off-spinning all-rounder Ollie Raynor, who returned figures of 2-115 in last week’s match against Somerset - Sussex’s fourth draw in succession.

Nottinghamshire director of cricket Mick Newell, who has named an unchanged side, acknowledged the danger posed by Mushtaq.

"We expected Mushtaq to re-appear and he is a world-class player and a threat that we will have to deal with," he said.

A comprehensive seven-wicket victory over Lancashire last week strengthened Nottinghamshire's position at the top of the table.

Darren Pattinson picked up the seam-bowling baton from Ryan Sidebottom and Stuart Broad with figures of 6-30 in the first innings.

"At this stage of the season, bonus points are vital and it's important to win the low-scoring games," added Newell.

"We aren't batting at top form at the moment and I would like to see us post a big first-innings total and dominate a game from that position.

"The bowlers are performing well and Darren has taken a lot of people by surprise and he's been a breath of fresh air over the past few weeks."

Nottinghamshire are 18 points ahead of second-placed Surrey and 20 ahead of Sussex in third.