DARREN Goughwas playing in his first Norwich Union League game of the season for Yorkshire Phoenix at The Oval today in a day-night match they must win if they are to improve their chances of avoiding the drop into Division Two.

But although Gough was one of a squad of 17 which was named for this week's encounters with Surrey he is not expected to be fit for the Championship match beginning on Wednesday because of a foot injury.

Yorkshire travelled to London without three of their most experienced bowlers, Gavin Hamilton and Chris Silverwood both having back injuries and Ryan Sidebottom again suffering from a groin strain.

Craig White was also missing because England have blocked him from playing in any further games this season.

Darren Lehmann and Chris Elstub were due to play today but not in the Championship match and Yorkshire may also decide to bring in deputy wicketkeeper Simon Guy on Wednesday in place of Richard Blakey who has not missed a game all summer.

Yorkshire are expected to give another chance to Farsley opener Chris Taylor in the Championship game and another likely starter is Vic Craven who is very much a part of their future plans.

Yorkshire's squad for The Oval is: Byas, Vaughan, Wood, Taylor, Lehmann, McGrath, Craven, Fellows, Blakey, Guy, Gray, Gough, Dawson, Kirby, Hoggard, Elstub, Bresnan.

Updated: 12:22 Monday, September 03, 2001