AS Durham sit proudly at the top of both second divisions the slight change in personnel begins today with the arrival of Queensland seamer Ashley Noffke.

He will be followed at the weekend by New Zealander Nathan Astle, who coach Martyn Moxon hopes will take over at the top of the order from Mike Hussey.

The match against Yorkshire starting at Riverside on Friday will be the captain's last appearance for Durham until mid-July because of his one-day international commitments.

"I will speak to Nathan about it," said Moxon. "He has opened recently for New Zealand and it would cause us the least disruption if he were to do it for us.

"If he doesn't fancy it we will need a rethink and there are a few candidates. But we want Nathan to play against Durham University next week, which is an ideal opportunity for him to settle in.

"Hopefully Ashley will also play in that match. He's lacking match fitness because they've had a lot of rain recently in Queensland so he hasn't bowled much outdoors. Mick Lewis will stay with us until we're confident Ashley is ready."

Paul Collingwood will initially take over the captaincy when Hussey departs, although Moxon fully expects to lose him to the England one-day squad around June 10.

That means Collingwood will be in charge for the championship match at Worcester starting on June 1, but might have to miss the one at Riverside against Essex eight days later.

"I have my own ideas about who should take over for the following month, but I will discuss it with Mike and Paul before making a decision," said Moxon.

Delighted with the start to his fifth season at Riverside, the coach added: "There have been some pretty disappointing times but I sense it's starting to come together now. Our winter singings have had a positive effect on the whole squad and the confidence they have given us has been a big factor.

"The work ethic of the staff throughout the winter was excellent and the bar has been raised. Our tour to Sharjah was very good both cricket-wise and for team building. We came back buzzing and winning the first game gave everybody a lift.

"Having players like Hussey, Harmison and Collingwood available has made a big difference, but I'm pleased that it's not just about them.

"Gareth Breese's innings at Stockton under pressure was excellent, Mark Davies and Liam Plunkett have done well, Jon Lewis and Gordon Muchall have contributed and in the last few days we have seen Phil Mustard and Nicky Peng come to the party."

Durham felt they needed to increase the squad partly because of all the injuries they have suffered in the last three seasons, but despite not doing anything differently fitness-wise the only casualties to date have been Graham Onions and Kyle Coetzer.

Onions had an X-ray yesterday on what is believed to be a broken finger, while Coetzer has had a groin operation which will keep him out for six weeks.

The others currently in the A team have not had much cricket and Moxon added: "It's something we talked about in Sharjah. They understand the situation and know they could be required at any time.

"Everybody is delighted with the first team's success and they are working hard to make sure they are in the best possible form when they are needed.

"We are all getting together for practice on Thursday so that everybody feels part of it and we maintain the very good atmosphere."

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