WARWICKSHIRE: The leaders rested Neil Carter in their win in Guildford last week but recall the left-armer for the championship match at Old Trafford, starting today. Heath Streak (stomach strain) is still out but should be fit next week. While the batsmen prosper, the encouraging part for Nick Knight, the captain, is that “our bowlers are wheedling through 20 wickets”.

WEBSITE: www.thebears.co.uk

GLOUCESTERSHIRE: The second week of the Cheltenham Festival brings Worcestershire, who have not lost in the championship at the College Ground since 1980, when Mike Procter, the South Africa all-rounder and captain, took 14 for 76 in the match. Gloucestershire have not beaten Worcestershire in the championship since 1995, drawing twice and suffering 11 heavy defeats.

WEBSITE: www.gloscricket.co.uk

KENT: Michael Bevan, the Australia batsman, will be the latest overseas player to represent the county when he makes his debut against Middlesex today. Martin Saggers, the England fast bowler, and Amjad Khan are injured, so Robert Joseph, an England-qualified 22-year-old fast bowler who has played for Antigua Under-19s, could make his first appearance.

WEBSITE: www.kentccc.com

LANCASHIRE: Peter Martin, who was replaced by James Anderson on the second day of his return from a knee injury against Gloucestershire last week, misses the championship match against Warwickshire. A squad of 12 includes Chris Schofield, who has not played a championship match this season, and Kyle Hogg, who has not played a four-day match since early June.

WEBSITE: www.lccc.co.uk

MIDDLESEX: Glenn McGrath, the Australia fast bowler, will make his championship debut for the county against Kent at Southgate today, but Ed Joyce will be missing after splitting the webbing in a hand. Ben Hutton will again lead the team as they look to build on their impressive victory over Worcestershire at New Road that lifted them out of the relegation zone.

WEBSITE: www.middlesexccc.com

WORCESTERSHIRE: Ben Smith, the captain, has recovered from a knee injury suffered in the Cheltenham & Gloucester Trophy semi-final and replaces Kadeer Ali. “Cheltenham is a quick wicket and will suit our attack,” Tom Moody, the director of cricket, said. So did New Road in May, when they won by an innings and 86 runs. But that was before Gloucestershire’s rise.

WEBSITE: www.wccc.co.uk