Nine players who took part in both the Test and one-day series in India and New Zealand were held back by the England management at the start of the season.

But all are expected to return for the final two rounds of Benson & Hedges Cup zonal games over the Bank Holiday.

There is just a single County Championship match between then and the beginning of the first Test at Lord's.

But England skipper Nasser Hussain will be turning out for Essex against Hampshire, believes that is ample time to prepare.

"It's only six weeks since we were playing in New Zealand in similar conditions," Hussain said earlier this week.

"It should be more than enough time."

Gough worry

Somerset are expected to welcome Andrew Caddick and opener Marcus Trescothick into their side travelling to face Gloucestershire on Sunday.

All-rounder Andrew Flintoff joins Lancashire as they host Leicestershire at Old Trafford, while Warwickshire expect spinner Ashley Giles back to face Northants.

Yorkshire, who take big-guns Matthew Hoggard and Michael Vaughn to Derby, are still unsure over the fitness of Darren Gough, following a knee operation.

But the pace bowler himself expects to play in the second XI this week.

"If I can come through that unscathed I'll play against Somerset next Sunday with one eye firmly on Lord's," he said.

England name their side for the first Test on 11 May, and no player selected will be available for the Norwich Union League matches the following day.