Cook believes his players are ready to repeat last season's success

Durham coach Geoff Cook believes the hunger of his players has been the catalyst for their excellent form across the board this season.

With a Friends Provident semi-final and a Twenty20 Cup quarter final on the horizon, Cook is confident his players can deal with the extra workload.

"The players keep coming back for more," he told BBC Radio Newcastle.

"Each of the competitions we come into they're desperate to do well. We have a good strong squad."

Meanwhile, Cook was also delighted with international recognition for four of the Durham side called into England's Champions Trophy squad.

Liam Plunkett, Phil Mustard, Graham Onions and skipper Paul Collingwood all made the 30-man line-up, and while there was no place for Steve Harmison, Cook is confident of his international future.

"Plunkett has done really well to bounce back, he was down emotionally and with injury earlier in the season," he said.

"I think that if Steven Harmison was still available that would be five players, and to have one sixth of a squad of 30 is a testimony to the strength in depth Durham has."