Yorkshire's visit to Taunton in the County Championship today marks the beginning of a fortnight long southern tour which could make or break their season.

And while Yorkshire get to grips with Somerset, Darren Gough will be making his comeback with the Second XI in their three-day match against Derbyshire Seconds at Stamford Bridge.

Yorkshire coach Wayne Clark said last night: "Gough bowled four overs to me in the morning while I stood with a glove on and he suffered no reaction in his knee.

"If he comes through this game all right he will be included in Sunday's opening Norwich Union League match against Somerset at Taunton."

Yorkshire's defence of their Championship title got off to a shocking start with the innings and 168 runs thrashing at the hands of strongly fancied Surrey.

They have now had time to push that result to the back of their minds but they know they must perform much more strongly against Somerset, last year's runner's up, if they are to get back on track.

After Sunday's coloured clothing game it's straight on to Canterbury for next week's Championship clash with Kent. The same venue will host the Sunday match between the sides before Yorkshire move on to Chelmsford in time for the Benson and Hedges Cup quarter-final match against Essex.

It was confirmed by Lord's yesterday that this game will take place on Wednesday, May 22, after which Yorkshire return home to play Hampshire at Headingley in the Championship on the Friday.

It's one of the longest away spells Yorkshire have had for some time and a lot of hard work has to be put in for the fans to forgive them for Monday's spineless B&H performance against Lancashire.

Yorkshire will be without Matthew Wood today who dropped out of the party on doctor's advice following the blow he received last Saturday from Derbyshire's Muhammad Ali which caused him to have nine stitches inserted above his left eye. Wood's absence leaves a place open for Michael Lumb who would otherwise have filled the 12th man spot but that could now go to Andy Gray who has been added to the squad.

There is no place for Steven Kirby, Yorkshire's leading wicket-taker in the Championship last season, but skipper Darren Lehmann said: "It is horses for courses and conditions will probably be more favourable for Chris Silverwood at Taunton. Kirby may come into the reckoning next week when Matthew Hoggard will be with England.