Yorkshire have been given permission to play fast bowler Matthew Hoggard in the CricInfo Championship game against a confident Leicestershire side at Headingley tomorrow.

But their three other centrally contracted England men – Darren Gough, Michael Vaughan and Craig White – will all be unavailable.

Scott Richardson comes back into the Division One leaders' line-up to open the batting with Matthew Wood while paceman Steve Kirby is added to the squad.

Coach Arnie Sidebottom said: "We had a blow in the B&H Cup on Monday (when they lost in the semi-final to Gloucestershire) and didn't play that well in the Cheltenham & Gloucester but we are still top of the Championship and if we can win this one it will go a long way to helping us win the title."

Leicestershire, who lie third after three Championship wins this season, would dearly love to close the gap on the leaders with a victory but will probably be without Trevor Ward who is doubtful with a hamstring injury. However, bowler James Ormond should return.

Champions Surrey will be without Graham Thorpe because of his calf injury and Alec Stewart who will be on Test Match duty next week when they entertain Lancashire at The Oval.

Michael Atherton will also be awaiting the First Test and could be replaced by Jamie Haynes while Mark Chilton remains doubtful because of a wrist injury.

Simon Jones is back for Glamorgan who are visited by bottom-of-the-table Northants but the Welsh county's coach Jeff Hammond said: "We don't take notice of anyone's form as sometimes an animal that's wounded comes out stronger than ever."

Northants' only change sees the return of Adrian Rollins in place of Jeffrey Cook.

In Division Two, leaders Middlesex are seeking to recover from their humiliating exit from the C&G Trophy at the hands of Herefordshire by making a couple of changes for the game against Sussex at Lord's. Tim Bloomfield and Chad Keegan are set to replace Jamie Hewitt and Aaron Laraman.

Despite the embarrassment of the midweek loss, director of coaching John Emburey said: "The side we have got is more of a Championship side than a one-day team."

Sussex welcome back pace bowler James Kirtley with Billy Taylor the man to make way.

Durham will probably be without fast bowler Steve Harmison for the visit of Warwickshire while Nicky Phillips will have a late fitness test. Warwickshire will miss Ashley Giles who has been told to report for England duty on Monday.

Enlgnad's Dominic Cork will be missing from the Derbyshire line-up for the visit to Hampshire while Worcestershire face Nottinghamshire at New Road.

© CricInfo Ltd.