Both Anuj Dal (side strain) and Suranga Lakmal (groin) miss out. I have to admit to being a little uneasy about the viability of the Sri Lankan to lead our attack throughout the summer. Indeed, I wouldn’t be at all surprised were Mickey Arthur to look for an alternative for the T20 Blast, spreading the load and allowing Lakmal to focus on the four day and fifty over formats. 

It may indeed be better to have someone whose all round game is better suited to that format. Time will tell, but I have my reservations at this stage.

Logically, Luis Reece will replace Dal, with the other place likely to be between Alex Thomson and Mark Watt.

Likely side: Godleman, Ali, Guest, Madsen, du Plooy, Lamb, Reece, Chappell, Watt, Aitchison, Conners. (Came and Thomson make up 13)

As for Durham, Lancashire and England spinner Matt Parkinson has joined on loan for 2 weeks and will almost certainly play against Derbyshire tomorrow. 

Their squad:

Bedingham, Borthwick, Carse, Clark, Coughlan, Jones, Trevaskis, Parkinson, Lees, Macalindon, Potts, Raine, Robinson, Killeen

The weather forecast suggests that rain will take a sizable chunk from this game, so it may be difficult to force a positive result, unless the wicket is green. Durham have made a good start to this season, albeit without Chris Rushworth, whose move to Warwickshire probably robbed him of 10 to 15 Derbyshire wickets this season. He has been a wonderful servant to them and will be missed.

Yet Derbyshire can get their season going here. If the seam attack has found line and length in the last week or so, it should make for entertaining viewing.

I’m going to predict to draw. What about you?