Anthony McGrath returns to lead a Yorkshire side which also includes Darren Gough in the Championship clash with Durham at Riverside tomorrow.

But England's triunphant one-day captain, Michael Vaughan, has decided to rest up in readiness for the forthcoming Test series against South Africa which begins on Thursday week at Edgbaston.

The surprise elevation of McGrath, pictured above, to England status means he has not played for Yorkshire since their game at Northampton in mid-May while the last of Gough's three appearances this season was against Durham at Headingley at the end of that month when Durham clinched their first ever Championship win in matches between the two sides.

Gough is extra keen to make an impression at Riverside because he needs to roar his way through at least one Championship game and possibly two to convince England coach Duncan Fletcher that his knee is now strong enough to stand up to the rigours of Test cricket.

Yorkshire coach Kevin Sharp said: "It is great news that Goughie is back with us tomorrow because he was such a good influence at the start of the season and other players are motivated by having him around."

Yorkshire will, however, be disappointed that Vaughan has decided to stand down after initially suggesting he would be playing in the match. "Michael is a centrally contracted player and he decided to rest from the game after he had discussed the situation with the ECB," said Sharp.

Gough's return, particularly, suits Yorkshire nicely because Chris Silverwood is unfit with a sore heel. He had an injection a few days ago and should be back in action by the end of the week.

New Zealand captain, Stephen Fleming, Indian left-hander Yuvraj Singh and left-arm paceman Ryan Sidebottom were all rested from last week's game with India 'A' and have recovered from minor ailments - Fleming (tweaked hamstring) Yuvraj (sore throat ) and Sidebottom (blistered foot).

Off-spinner Andy Gray continues to be preferred to Richard Dawson but the return of McGrath means there is no place for Richard Blakey solely as a batsman now that the wicketkeeping gloves have gone to Simon Guy.

Yorkshire (v Durham) from: Wood, Fleming, McGrath, Lumb, Yuvraj Singh, White, Guy, Gray, Gough, Sidebottom, Kirby, Craven.

Updated: 09:28 Monday, July 14, 2003