Yorkshire have Michael Vaughan, Craig White and new pace sensation Steve Kirby in their side to play Leicestershire at Grace Road. But the champions-elect are not taking anything for granted as their challenge for their first championship title since 1968 continues.

"Obviously there is a lot of talk about the championship but my aim is to make sure everyone concentrates on the next game," Yorkshire coach Wayne Clarke said.

"At the moment we are going well and there is a lot of confidence and ability in the squad but we'll just concentrate on one session at a time.

Essex travel to Glamorgan at the other end of Division One.

Essex appear to be doomed to life in the lower division next season, but Glamorgan still have realistic hopes of staying up. They beat Surrey in the last round of games, but remain in the bottom three.

Their coach, Jeff Hammond, admits they have a tough month in front of them if they are to stay up.

"We've got Essex, Yorkshire, Leicestershire and Surrey to come and that's a hard road home," Hammond warned. "But if we can play well in all those games and don't drop a game we will have a good chance of avoiding relegation.

"We have been working on a few disciplines and it has taken a while for them to hit home but I think we are starting to play well now. We are still a game behind the top sides and another thing is that we have lost over 1,100 overs of playing time to the weather this season."

Hammond is waiting on news of Robert Croft. The off-spinner is currently with the England squad but will make up a spin duo with Cosker if released.

Lancashire and Northampton battle it out elsewhere in another match that could have a crucial bearing on the final relegation places.

Meanwhile, it's top against bottom as Sussex travel to bottom placed Derbyshire in Division Two. Captain Dominic Cork and overseas player and vice-captain Michael Di Venuto miss out for the hosts in a game that Sussex are strong favourites to win.

Gloucestershire entertain Nottinghamshire at Bristol. Both teams retain slim promotion hopes, though Gloucestershire have a 16-point lead over Notts. Worryingly for both sides, three of the four teams above them have a game in hand.

Elsewhere Worcestershire travel to Warwickshire, the fourth placed club, desperate for the win that would help them into a promotion position.

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