High hopes on return to First Division action

HEAD coach Ryan Campbell is aiming high as Durham make their return to Division One of the

Vitality County Championship today after seven years in Division Two.

Durham host Hampshire at Seat Unique Riverside over the next four days – and Campbell wants his side to have a big say in the title race.

“We are not here just to compete in Division One, we are here to win in it, and I believe we have a squad which can take us there – we want to win the whole thing,” he said.

“We are all really excited, it is always a special time and after our performances last year I think there is an expectation on us again this year to go out and back up how we did in 2024.

“The team is in a good place and we can’t wait to step out and perform this weekend, whenever that may be.

“Unfortunately Chester-le-street has had a fair bit of rain, so it is pretty wet out there.”

Weather permitting, Campbell’s side will return to Chester-le-street for the first time since their Division Two Championship-winning Friday in September, when they enjoyed an innings and 141-run win over Leicestershire.

Campbell has named a 13-player squad to face Hampshire, which includes new signings Colin Ackermann and Callum Parkinson.

Ackermann and Parkinson both made their Durham first-class debuts in Zimbabwe but are in line to make their debut for the Club in the County Championship today (11am).

Scott Boland has arrived in the North East but isn’t available for the Hampshire fixture this week, and the Australian seamer will train at the Riverside ahead of next week’s fixture against Warwickshire at Edgbaston.

“With the additions of Scott Boland, Colin Ackermann and Callum Parkinson it really strengthens our squad,” added Campbell.

“We want to compete with the best, and that is what excites everyone at the club. I understand we will have some bumps along the way, but we will continue with that attacking cricket and it’s once again going to be a fun ride.

“Hampshire are a very strong side, they have a proven seam bowling attack, which has performed very well for a number of years, they will 100% test our batters, and I think it is the perfect way to start our season off against Hampshire.”