Shahid Afridi makes his CricInfo Championship debut for Leicestershire against Glamorgan in Cardiff tomorrow.

Afridi replaces Daniel Marsh as the club's overseas player, and expectation is high that the 21-year-old Pakistan all-rounder will create plenty of excitement.

"We were very lucky to have Danny Marsh and it was a big blow to lose him," club captain Vince Wells admitted. "But we were fortunate enough to be in the position to replace him with someone of the quality of Shahid Afridi.

"He's a big winner who always wants to win games, and he's a really bubbly character too. He's immensely likeable and is one of those guys you feel like you've known for a long time.

"Jack Birkenshaw has always been good with the players he's signed for the club. The overseas lads he's brought in have all fitted in really well in the dressing room, and Shahid Afridi is no different."

It is a vital game for both teams. Glamorgan have just one win to their name and are currently third from bottom in the first division. Leicestershire are just one place above them and have played a game more.

Trevor Ward, who has been in prolific form, returns for the visitors, but Ormond is out due to a hamstring problem. Simon Jones plays for Glamorgan with Wharf still out.

Essex will be looking for an improved performance from their middle order in the continued absence of Stuart Law who has a hand injury. They play Kent at Southend knowing that only an improvement in form in the second half of the season will save them from second division cricket next year.

Kent captain Matthew Fleming is a fitness doubt, and will undergo a test to ascertain the severity of a side strain.

Surrey look to be losing the race to retain their Championship title. They have only won one game and are severely weakened by Test calls as they prepare for their clash with Northants in Guildford.

It is a game neither side can afford to lose. Northants are in relegation trouble, without a win to their name, while the defending champions will rely on good performances from players such as Gary Butcher, Michael Carberry, Nadeem Shahid and Jonathan Batty if they are to sustain a challenge to top club Yorkshire. Ian Salisbury is expected to play despite a broken toe.

In the second division Sussex, the form club at present, are seeking to steal top spot from Middlesex. Sussex travel to mid-table Durham knowing that a fifth win in six games would put them in pole position for promotion. Mark Robinson returns for the visitors, but the hosts will miss key bowlers Simon Brown, Neil Killeen and Nicky Phillips.

Lowly Derbyshire, well adrift at the bottom of the table and without a win, are boosted by the return of Tim Munton to captain them against Warwickshire in Edgbaston.

Elsewhere Hampshire entertain Notts. Lawrence Prittipaul returns for the hosts, but Shaun Udal is a concern with a groin strain. Usman Afzaal is absent, on Test duty.

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