Plunkett doubtful for Durham

Liam Plunkett is a doubt for Durham's opening encounter

Liam Plunkett is struggling with a sore side ahead of Durham’s opening LV County Championship match with Surrey at Chester-le-Street.

Plunkett has been named in the 13-man squad along with fellow England fast bowler Steve Harmison, but Neil Killeen and Mark Davies are possible alternatives should Plunkett not make it.

Harmison’s brother, Ben, is also included, along with former New Zealand off-spinner Paul Wiseman, who is preferred to Gareth Breese.

Neil McKenzie is set to make his Championship debut for Durham after top-scoring with 77 in the Friends Provident Trophy win over Yorkshire.

Surrey’s fast bowling options are boosted by the presence of Matt Nicholson.

A virus kept Surrey’s overseas player out of their opening draw with Lancashire, but the Australian seamer could come into the attack at the expense of James Ormond or Chris Jordan.

Otherwise Surrey should retain the line-up that put 537 runs on Lancashire for the loss of only five wickets.

Usman Afzaal was one of three centurions with an unbeaten 134 on Championship debut for his new county, but Surrey could find life tougher an uncompromising Durham attack.