Round-Up: Harmison boosts England with return for Durham

Durham will be boosted by the long-awaited return of Steve Harmison for the First Division game against Middlesex at the Riverside today in the Liverpool Victoria County Championship.

The England fast bowler has recovered from the shin injury which curtailed his tour of India and has been cleared to play by the England and Wales Cricket Board, while Middlesex welcome back Owais Shah and Ed Joyce.

Andrew Flintoff appears destined to stay at Lancashire for his entire career after signing a long-term deal. Flintoff, 28, has agreed a five-year contract at Old Trafford, with a one-year rolling option, having made his county debut in 1995.

The champions, Nottinghamshire, finally got their season up and running when they bowled out Sussex for just 143 at Hove yesterday in the First Division.

Mark Ealham, Ryan Sidebottom, Graeme Swann and Paul Franks took two wickets apiece as the home side crumbled, Matt Prior top-scoring with 33.

In reply, Nottinghamshire closed on 72 for 2, with Rana Naved-ul-Hasan and Jason Lewry taking the wickets - Jason Gallian was also forced to retire hurt but Darren Bicknell was still at the crease, 28 not out.

In the Second Division, Leicestershire enjoyed a fruitful day at Grace Road against the struggling Glamorgan, Dinesh Mongia stroking 142 not out as the hosts closed on 303 for 3.