PAUL Collingwood yesterday cast doubt on his return to action for Durham in Thursday's opening Twenty20 Cup game at home to Warwickshire.

"That has always been the target since my operation," he said. "But in practice in the last couple of days the knee has felt a bit more sore than I would have wanted.

"It's fine doing rehabilitation in a controlled environment and running in straight lines, but it's different when you're chasing the ball and reacting to things.

"I have bowled a few spells in the nets and the rest of the body is feeling it after not playing for two months.

"I hope the stiffness goes tomorrow because I want to feel 100 per cent right. I don't want to come in under-cooked, knowing there's a lot diving around to do. It's taken a lot of effort to strengthen the knee back up and I don't want any setbacks."

Collingwood, who was 35 last week, underwent a micro-fracture operation after the World Cup and added: "Michael Vaughan had something similar and it was pretty horrific for him. I haven't had anything like the amount of pain he had.

"I've had a long break and mentally it has done me a world of good. It helps to take the negatives out of your mind. I feel revitalised and the enthusiasm is right there to get back into it. I'm excited about it and I'm very keen to get back into the sort of form I know I'm capable of."

Collingwood played in two T20 games and one championship match for Durham last season and the previous year one T20 game was all his England commitments would permit.

"When you come back in for one-off games it's very difficult for both parties," he said. "You can't make an impact in the dressing room in those situations, but now I hope to be able to do that and to contribute in every game. I'm very much focused on doing well for Durham."

Durham will open their Friends Life T20 campaign with a family fun day. The ground is set for a carnival occasion with free activities available for families from 3.40pm, two hours before play starts.

The match is the first of eight home games, taking place mainly on Friday nights and Sunday afternoons. All will have attractions such as bouncy castles, face-painters, fireworks, go-karting, pony rides and assault course challenges. Some will also feature stilt walkers and on-pitch competitions.

Twenty20 season ticket holders will be entitled to a first refusal option on Ashes tickets for the Chester-le-Street Test match in 2013. Discounted t20 group deals are also available.

To purchase tickets visit durhamccc.co.uk or call the box office on 0844 499 4466. For more information on hospitality packages or to make a booking, call 0191 387 2874.

Friends Life t20 season ticket prices: Adults £75, under 16s £25, family (one adult and one child) £90.

Single match prices: adults £17.50 (£13 with advance booking; juniors £6 and £5.