Gavin Hamilton is included in Yorkshire's squad of 12 for the Frizzell County Championship match against Sussex which starts at Headingley today.

And the return to the senior ranks of the energetic all-rounder has been warmly welcomed by Yorkshire's acting captain, Richard Blakey.

Hamilton suffered a loss of form and confidence in the season's curtain-raiser against Bradford-Leeds Universities' Centre of Excellence and he was axed after the Championship opener with Surrey at Headingley.

But since then Hamilton has overcome his problems with some good performances for the second XI and his batting and bowling skills have been missed by the County Champions who are next to bottom of the table and have still to win after four defeats and a draw.

"We will not know for certain if Gavin will play until we have seen what conditions are like with the weather and the pitch," said Blakey.

"Whatever happens, it is nice to have him back in the squad. We have missed Gavin not only because of his all-round ability but also because of his bubbly personality which helps to lift the team so much."

Also itching for a taste of the action today is Australian Simon Katich who has still to make a run for Yorkshire while deputising for Darren Lehmann.

The ex-Durham batsman was run out off the first ball he received on his debut against Worcestershire Royals and last Sunday the game with Nottinghamshire Outlaws at Trent Bridge was washed out before a ball had been bowled.

Former Harrogate batsman Vic Craven keeps his place in the squad, despite a disappointing first appearance of the season against Leicestershire at Grace Road when he scored 13 and 0.

Paul Hutchison, who left Yorkshire for Sussex at the end of last season, is still out injured and unable to make the trip.

Yorkshire from: White, Wood, Lumb, Katich, McGrath, Craven, Blakey, Dawson, Silverwood, Sidebottom, Kirby, Hamilton.

* Darren Gough, who has yet to play a match this season after two operations on his right knee, will meet up with England at Old Trafford later this week during the third Test with Sri Lanka.

But Gough has so far given no clue as to when he will be able to return for Yorkshire and time seems to be running out on him recovering in time to play for England in the NatWest Series of one-day internationals which begins later this month.

Yorkshire coach Wayne Clark said yesterday: "Darren is expected to have a talk with England's medical staff at Old Trafford and he hopes to do some running by the weekend.

"Darren has been under England's supervision from the word go and it was at their discretion that he was allowed to go abroad for a while after his latest operation. Now he is back in town and joining up with them soon to find out what their requirements are.

"We should get a better idea after the weekend just when he will be ready to play for Yorkshire."