Stuart Broad makes his return from injury as Nottinghamshire host leaders Surrey in the County Championship.
The experienced seamer, who injured his ankle playing for his county last month, will expect to have his feet up for most of the first day after second-placed Notts were put in to bat at Trent Bridge.
James Anderson, Jos Buttler and Keaton Jeanings’ battle with England team-mates Joe Root and Jonny Bairstow will have to wait after rain at Old Trafford delayed the start of Lancashire’s match against Yorkshire.
Two of the very best renew acquaintances...Stuart Broad and Morne Morkel #bbccricket pic.twitter.com/EzYw5aPukk
— Dave Bracegirdle (@bracecricket) July 22, 2018
Moeen Ali will have the first chance to impress in his showdown with fellow spinner Jack Leach after Worcestershire opted to bowl in their Division One clash with Somerset, who were without Dom Bess – England’s slow bowler in the series against Pakistan.
In Division Two, Dawid Malan – England’s incumbent number four – won the toss as Middlesex captain and chose to bat against Warwickshire, boosted by the availability of all-rounder Chris Woakes.
Durham pair Mark Wood and Ben Stokes will have the ball in their hands early after Gloucestershire won the toss and batted in their game at Cheltenham.
