Martyn Moxon has compiled a wish-list of batsmen to solve Durham’s problems at the top of the order. Apart from Dale Benkenstein and, to a lesser extent, Phil Mustard Durham’s batsmen have underachieved. And Moxon has wielded the axe, releasing Jon Lewis, Gary Pratt and James Lowe, along with the left-arm spinner Graeme Bridge.

Ben Harmison has staked a credible claim for promotion from the ranks but Durham will need to recruit over the winter if they are to realise Moxon’s dream of challenging for silverware in 2007. An overseas opener will be top priority and, ideally, Mike Hussey would return. But Australia will probably have other ideas.

Jimmy Maher’s century in the important win over Warwickshire improved his chances of a contract for 2007 but Moxon will be looking at homegrown options,too. Matthew Wood, who played under Moxon at Yorkshire, is rumoured to be looking about after losing his place to Joe Sayers and could be a target after missing out on Will Jefferson. But the coach is giving nothing away. “We have one or two irons in the fire and, if we can’t find English players, we will look elsewhere.”

Andrew Collomosse, The Wisden Cricketer