Hampshire are boosted by the return of all-rounder Sean Ervine and wicket-keeper Nic Pothas for their trip to Durham in Division One of the LV County Championship.

Ervine, who has suffered from hamstring trouble this season, replaces Jimmy Adams in the top order. Pothas takes over behind the stumps in place of Tom Burrows having recovered from a calf injury that kept him out for a month.

Kevin Pietersen is on international duty while Dimitri Mascarenhas and Chris Tremlett make their last appearances in the longer game before joining up with England's one-day squad.

Recent signing Nantie Hayward is still building his match fitness and batsman David Balcombe is on the verge of recovering from a side strain.

Durham have the same squad that skittled champions Sussex last week.

Steve Harmison, who took seven wickets for 110 runs at Hove, can expect to lead the line again, while Mark Davies and Callum Thorp should continue in the absence of Graham Onions (heel) and Liam Plunkett (side).

Will Smith continues in the side after his successful return to first-team cricket in the last month, which included a score of 107 against Sussex.

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