Gloucestershire captain Mark Alleyne was expected to pass a late fitness test on an Achilles problem ahead of today's Frizzell County Championship Division Two game against Glamorgan at Sophia Gardens, although Alex Gidman stands by to replace him.

New Zealander Ian Butler, signed until Ian Harvey arrives following Australia's one-day series in West Indies, will make his championship debut at the expense of Roger Sillence.

Glamorgan will again be without Darren Thomas and Steve James, both of whom continue their recoveries from knee operations.

David Harrison could be recalled after being overlooked for the C&G Trophy third-round win over Durham Cricket Board, a game which saw Matthew Maynard register his fifth century of the season.

"Matthew has been fantastic," coach John Derrick said. "Apart from the two National League matches, he has scored a hundred in every game."

n Yorkshire will be without Darren Gough, who suffered a setback in his bid to regain full fitness following three knee operations when he sustained a hamstring injury in the National League defeat by Essex Eagles.

"Darren just tweaked a hamstring, but it is not too serious and he shouldn't be out for long," bowling coach Steve Oldham said.

Gough is the latest addition to a casualty list which already features the names of Matthew Elliott (knee), Matthew Hoggard (stomach), Craig White (rib) and Chris Taylor (hernia).

Derbyshire coach Adrian Pierson is waiting on the fitness of Michael Di Venuto and Shahid Afridi for the trip to Headingley.

They are struggling with hamstring and finger injuries respectively, having sat out this week's National League defeat by Nottinghamshire and the C&G Trophy win over Kent Cricket Board.

DIVISION ONE

n Imran Tahir is set for his County Championship debut for Middlesex at Lord's.

The Pakistani leg-spinner, signed as a replacement for fellow countryman Abdul Razzaq during his spell on international duty, made his bow in the C&G Trophy third-round win over Northamptonshire.

Coach John Emburey said: "Imran was obviously a bit nervous in his first game, and conceded 10 runs from his first over. But he bowled well after that, which showed character."

Sven Koenig, who has not figured in one-day cricket this season, replaces David Alleyne, the only change to the team that beat Northants.

Lancashire all-rounder Kyle Hogg faces a fortnight on the sidelines with a calf strain, but Gary Keedy returns after a back spasm and Andrew Flintoff and Jimmy Anderson have been cleared to play by the England and Wales Cricket Board.

n Nottinghamshire's Paul Franks is ruled out by the calf problem which troubled him during the four-wicket C&G Trophy win over Lincolnshire.

Gareth Clough stands by to replace Kevin Pietersen, who is struggling with a knee problem, while Andy Harris - rested for the one-day game - comes in for Stephen Randall.

"We are not at full strength because of the injury situation, but that means we will just have to scrap harder," coach Mick Newell said.

Graham Thorpe has been omitted from the Surrey side for the second successive championship encounter, but Rikki Clarke is recalled and Mark Butcher retains his place at the top of the order.

Coach Keith Medlycott will wait on the results of late fitness tests on Alex Tudor (knee) and Ian Salisbury (finger) before naming his side.

n Warwickshire's Alan Richardson returns after recovering from the ankle injury which saw him miss the C&G Trophy third-round victory over Bedfordshire.

However, Nick Knight's knee operation rules him out, while Australian Michael Clark remains sidelined by a back problem.

Tony Cottey is fit following a thumb injury, while Jason Lewry passed a fitness test after having his broken nose reset.

Kevin Innes' hamstring problem means Michael Yardy retains his place in the squad, although Billy Taylor is deemed surplus to requirements for the four-day game.

Sussex coach Peter Moores said the side had been boosted by the form of captain Chris Adams.

"Chris (Adams) has got a hundred and 80 not out in his last two games and he is raring to go again. We are all really excited about going to Edgbaston," he said.