DURHAM will return to the Racecourse ground in Durham City today for a first-class fixture for the first time since 1994, writes Tim Wellock.

The university ground was considered their headquarters for their first three years in first-class cricket, staging memorable occasions like the opening Sunday League win against Lancashire, Sachin Tendulkar's only championship century for Yorkshire, and Ian Botham's farewell appearance.

The three-day match against Durham UCCE was again due to be staged at Riverside but, like next week's match at Stockton, has been switched to allow uninterrupted preparations for the Test match at Chester-le-Street.

Durham's last visit to the Racecourse was to play Yorkshire, who were bowled to a 116-run win by left-arm spinner Richard Stemp, who took six for 37 in the second innings. In the Durham line-up was Graeme Fowler, now the university coach.

Durham are not overjoyed that the match is taking place four weeks later than last year, when it provided useful pre-season practice.

But at least it gives batsmen who have struggled for championship runs the chance to spend time at the crease and Durham will field the same top seven as against Gloucestershire.

With Dewald Pretorius out for three weeks with a thigh injury and Javagal Srinath rested, Neil Killeen returns and England Under 19 player Liam Plunkett will make his first-class debut.

Read more about Durham County Cricket Club here.