Red Rose’s problems good for Dynamos

May 17 2008 by Stuart Rayner, The Journal

DURHAM will try to make the most of Lancashire’s injury problems to kick-start their defence of the Friends Provident Trophy.

The Red Rose county are Sunday’s visitors to the Riverside in a game the hosts need to win. But their chances look good with Lancashire missing seven seamers and their overseas batsman.

Whereas when the sides met at the start of May Lancashire’s line-up was frighteningly strong, the North Division leaders are without a number of top players tomorrow.

Andrew Flintoff (side), Dominic Cork (back) and Glen Chapple (groin) are injured, James Anderson is on England duty and Mohammad Yousuf is having red tape complications after facing the Riversiders first time around on a tourist visa. Back-up bowlers Kyle Hogg, Tom Smith and Oliver Newby are also injured.

The Riversiders need to aim for wins from their three remaining games in the 50-over competition, all at Chester-le-Street. Although they are fourth in the five-team group, Durham are a point off second, having played a game more.

Will Gidman is in the 13-man squad and although a competitive debut looks unlikely for the 23-year-old, it is a sign that the second team player of 2007 is pushing hard for a place.

“He took a time finding his feet last year and missed pre-season with a side injury,” coach Geoff Cook reflected. “But hopefully he will develop into a good all-rounder.”

Gordon Muchall makes way for returning captain Dale Benkenstein while in-form Graham Onions, who missed the Duckworth Lewis-win over Scotland last week on England Lions duty, replaces new-ball bowler Neil Killeen, who injured his calf at the Grange. Liam Plunkett has a side strain.

Michael Di Venuto will open the batting despite suffering a cracked finger in the victory over Yorkshire.

DURHAM (from): Di Venuto, Mustard (wk), Coetzer, McKenzie, Benkenstein (c), B Harmison, Park, Breese, Thorp, Onions, S Harmison, Davies, Gidman.