DURHAM are hoping that the return of another of their Australian old boys to Riverside today will not upstage the clash between Paul Collingwood and Andrew Flintoff.

After Simon Katich led Derbyshire to victory in the Friends Provident Trophy last Sunday, Brad Hodge returns to Chester-le-Street fresh from making a century on his first Lancashire appearance of the season.

Hodge, who played briefly for Durham at the end of the 2002 season, made 130 not out against Northamptonshire as he and Flintoff helped the Red Rose men shrug off their poor start.

After pipping Durham to the northern conference title last season, they lost their opening two matches this season to leave the group wide open.

But Durham cannot afford another defeat at this early stage and will be grateful to have Collingwood strengthening the middle order.

With the first Test against the West Indies starting on Thursday week, this is likely to be the only week's cricket for which Collingwood is available for Durham, who also entertain Kent in the championship, starting on Wednesday.

With Kyle Coetzer also coming into the team, the players making way today are Ben Harmison and Will Smith, while Liam Plunkett also joins the squad for the clash between the two counties currently producing the most players for England.

Durham have a doubt about Steve Harmison, who has been suffering from tonsillitis and might miss his first clash with Flintoff since Durham won the championship match at Old Trafford two years ago.

Harmison recorded his best Durham figures of six for 52 in the second innings of that match, gaining a controversial lbw decision against Flintoff.

Lancashire can also call on James Anderson and Sajid Mahmood, but still await the arrival of Muttiah Muralitharan.

Durham (from): D M Benkenstein (capt), M J Di Venuto, P Mustard, P D Collingwood, K J Coetzer, G T Park, G R Breese, O D Gibson, L E Plunkett, N Killeen, S J Harmison, C D Thorp.