DURHAM will have skipper Will Smith back for the crucial game at his old Trent Bridge stamping ground, starting today.

Smith missed the draw at Headingley because of a family illness but returns at the expense of Kyle Coetzer, who went straight back to Chesterle- Street after the Yorkshire match for four days of second team cricket against Warwickshire.

Ben Harmison was summoned to join the first team squad to add an extra bowling option following his brother Steve’s England call-up.

Ben could be the one nominated to start then stand down should Durham hear from the England management that either Harmison senior or Graham Onions is likely to be made available tomorrow.

If that seems unlikely, or Durham decide they would prefer to keep the same X1 throughout the match, Callum Thorp will return after being rested at Headingley.

Gareth Breese is also with the squad, but Durham do not expect the pitch to favour spin with Graeme Swann in the England team.

“Nottinghamshire are strong in batting and seam bowling,” said Durham coach Geoff Cook. “They normally have a very good balance, but without Swann it leaves only Samit Patel to do the spinning.

“Graham Onions and Steve Harmison have been brilliant for us, but Liam Plunkett has come back to form and we have other bowlers who are fresh. We believe we still have enough firepower to win games.”

The reality is that Durham will be happy to come out of this game with a draw and retain their 25-point lead over their most likely title rivals, who have two games in hand.

In a similar situation at Trent Bridge last season Durham played very conservatively, scoring 257 for eight in 128 overs in their second innings.

Shivnarine Chanderpual batted for 54 overs before hitting his first boundary in an innings of 53.

Durham have only one more championship match after this one, at home to Sussex on July 31, before Chanderpaul’s expected arrival. He should be available to face Lancashire at Old Trafford, starting on August 11.

Durham (from): W R Smith (capt), M J Di Venuto, M D Stoneman, G J Muchall, D M Benkenstein, I D Blackwell, P Mustard, L E Plunkett, M E Claydon, C D Thorp, M Davies, G R Breese, B W Harmison.